The 54th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 can be expected to be a blockbuster clash between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. It has been a journey filled with a lot of ups and downs in the IPL 2020 so far, but KKR will be slightly disappointed with themselves as despite having IPL MVPs in Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, they have largely underwhelmed, as they have only six wins to show for their efforts so far.
A change in captaincy has been backfired as KKR is now suffering through an inferior NRR and their bowling attack is also lacking in confidence. On the other hand, RR has found their mojo at the most opportune time, with Ben Stokes leading smashing the MI and KXIP bowlers all-over the park in the last two games, still, as they have a negative NRR. RR also has a few concerns in their bowling attack that has relied too heavily upon Archer, and they will need him to fire once again to reach the playoffs.
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The reverse fixture between the two teams in IPL 2020 saw KKR beat RR by a huge margin; although, by the look of things, the Royals are the clear favorites heading into this game. With this game being a do-or-die one for either side, the stakes could not have been much higher for both teams, as this happens to be their last league games in IPL 2020 as well.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Shubman Gill vs Jofra Archer
Shubman Gill has taken it upon himself to deliver the goods for KKR in the last game. In 13 matches, Kohli has smashed 404 runs at a strike rate of 115.75. Thrice, Gill has crossed the fifty mark, batting in his trademark style. KKR opener’s ability to build his innings and go berserk in the death overs is a massive plus for the Knight Riders.
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The RR pacer, Jofra Archer has not been able to prove his worth for RR as he scalped 19 wickets in the season so far. Against Gill, though, Archerwill has his task cut out. The KKR youngster is one of the best players of pace in the world and will look to unsettle the fiery fast bowler.
#2. Steve Smith vs Varun Chakravarthy
The RR skipper, Steve Smith has had a below-par tournament thus far by his own high standards but on his day remains a formidable opponent regardless of the format, such is his ability to fashion run-scoring opportunities. Varun Chakravarthy has been KKR’s go-to man whenever they needed wickets and they will hope he can dismiss the Royals’ skipper early and thus increase their chances of a victory.
#3. Eoin Morgan vs Shreyas Gopal
On Sunday, Shreyas Gopal will come across the might of KKR skipper, Eoin Morgan, whose recent inning against KXIP has been something else altogether. Gopal has played just every match for KKR he has scalped 9 wickets in the 13 matches so far and maintained an economy of 8.14.
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Gopal’s economy will surely be challenged by Morgan, who has so far played nine games for 350 runs at an insane strike rate of 131.08! He has so far hit 18 sixes and 27 fours in IPL 2020. The last time the two teams met this year, Morgan was dismissed cheaply and now he will be looking to take revenge for the same.
