IPL 2018: Match preview of Kolkata vs Rajasthan

Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata faces Rahane-led Rajasthan tonight at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.

Kolkata won the previous clash against Delhi by 71 runs and due to this high margin, Kolkata have managed to climb up on the points table following a better Net Run Rate.

Performance wise, Kolkata team has improved in all the categories if you compare it to the previous seasons. The batting and bowling strength was good on papers and they have replicated the same in the fields.

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The intent of winning with the scope of improvement makes the team a strong contender for the IPL 2018 title.

The spinners are the core strength of the team, in the presence of Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawala. They have taken wickets whenever it was required.

Under-10 star Shivam Mavi took the wicket of Gautam Gambhir in the last clash which is appreciable but Dinesh Karthik can consider replacing Shubman Gill with another all-rounder.

Probable XI of Kolkata (TBC):

Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Shivam Mavi, Piyush Chawla, Tom Curran, Kuldeep Yadav

Also, other bowlers like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell have given immense support.

In the last clash, Andre Russell played at a strike rate 341.67 which means, 41 runs off just 12 balls.

On the other hand, Rajasthan have definitely marked a return after serving two-year ban but it seems they haven't arrived yet. Out of three matches, they have won two matches, out of which one was with the help of DLS method.

Ajinkya needs to strategize and then decide how to go about today's game to earn two points, otherwise, it will very difficult to solidify the position in the top four.

According to me, the middle order is massive, Sanju Samson has played quite good in all the matches, however, the return on investment on Ben Stokes is very less.

Though Rajasthan have settled with the current playing XI but the team is waiting for the Jofra Archer's recovery.

Probable XI of Kolkata (TBC):

Ajinkya Rahane (c), D'Arcy Short, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Jos Buttler, Krishnappa Gowtham, Ben Laughlin, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat

Although Rajasthan's record at Jaipur is quite good they have won three games but Kolkata's record is comparatively, as they won just one game here at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.