IPL 2022, RR vs KKR: 3 player battles to watch out for

On Monday, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai (April 18). After a good start to the campaign, both teams have lost their last two games.

With six points apiece, the Royals and Knights are fourth and fifth in the points standings, respectively. With a win today, one of them will break into the Top 4.

Rajasthan will enter the match as favourites based on their line-up, while the men in purple appear to be becoming a more well-rounded squad with each game.

This also creates exciting player confrontations, since both teams have a plethora of great players on their rosters. Before the crucial match that promises to make up for the Monday morning blues.

Ravichandran Ashwin v. Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana, the KKR’s middle-order hitter, has had a hit-or-miss IPL 2022. He’ll be trying to improve his consistency as clubs prepare to get down to business, with only one half-century and a couple of starts to his name.

Although Rana’s blazing beginnings appear promising, he does collapse when attempting to exert his control – something Ravichandran Ashwin would have noted. Against Rana, the spinner hasn’t had much luck, but will that change today?

Jos Buttler v. Umesh Yadav

With his brilliant batting, Jos Buttler has been mercurial for RR. In the competition, the gloveman has a century and a couple of fifties. His ability to anchor in the late innings while going hammer and tongs on the powerplay is impressive.

With 272 runs from five matches at an average of 68 and a strike rate of 152.80, Buttler is the leading run-scorer in the IPL 2022.

He’ll face KKR pace spearhead Umesh Yadav, who has made a comeback of sorts this season with 10 wickets. It’ll be a nail-biter between his exact length and Buttler’s hit-on-the-rise.

Trent Boult v. Andre Russell

It’s difficult to select a winner because both of these athletes have so much experience. Andre Russell of KKR and Trent Boult of the Royals have both played in the IPL long enough to know how a game should conclude.

Russell has been bowled twice by the Kiwi fast in their IPL clashes thus far, while the West Indies hard-hitter has been in fine form this season. Their duel will very certainly determine the game’s fate.