IPL 2015: KKR vs RR: Players to watch out for
NEW DELHI : Match 25 of the IPL takes us to the iconic Eden Gardens where home side Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Both teams come into this match on the back of defeats, with KKR having lost to SRH by the Duckworth-Lewis method in Match 19 and RR being comprehensively beaten by RCB in Match 22.
Shane Watson’s side has now lost 2 matches on the bounce after their 100% win record in the first 5 matches of this season.
KKR has lost 2 out of the 5 matches they have played so far. The defending champions have had 2 fewer outings than the Royals, which is why this encounter is crucial for Gautam Gambhir’s side as they attempt to move up the points table.
Over the years, RR has dominated this tie with a 8-6 head-to-head record against KKR. In 2014, the Rajasthan franchise beat the eventual champions on both occasions.
As two teams that are favorites to make the play-offs get set to battle it out at Eden Gardens, we pick a player from each side who could decide the fate of this match.
Shane Watson belongs to that rare category of players who have spent their entire IPL career with one franchise. Having missed RR’s first 4 matches, Watto scored a fifty to mark his return to the side. The opener has so far accumulated 144 runs in 3 outings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 138.46. Over the years, the Aussie has been RR’s best player and he continues to lead from the front yet again. Against KKR, Watson will shoulder the key responsibility of negotiating the formidable pace duo of Morkel and Yadav, to help his side get off to another good start.
Morne Morkel (KKR)
Morne Morkel has been a vital cog in KKR’s plans ever since he joined the two-time champions. After Sunil Narine was reported for suspect action again, the South African’s importance to his side has risen manifold. The pacer has so far picked up 9 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 15.66 and economy rate of 7.05. The 31-year-old has provided early breakthroughs for KKR and has been his captain’s go-to man during difficult situations. Morkel with his extra pace and bounce will be expected to get the better off RR’s batting troika of Watson, Rahane and Smith.
