The tables have turned since their last meeting at Eden in their first match of 2012 against each other. Playing back-to-back matches just after few days have turned Kings XI into favorite after registering concsecutive victories, while KKR is still stronger, yet may fail to stop its losing streak.
History
They have shared the honours till 2010 with 3 victories each in last 6 matches between them. In every edition they have won one match each. Winning the only match played between them in 2011, while Kings XI have won the first match of current edition.
Head-to-Head: KKR 4, 4 Kings XI
2008
-
KXIP def KKR by 9 Runs
KKR def KXIP by 3 Wickets
2009
- KKR def KXIP by 11 Runs
KXIP def KKR by 6 Wickets
2010
- KKR def KXIP by 39 Runs
KXIP def KKR by 8 Wickets
2011
- KKR def KXIP by 8 wickets
2012
Kings XI def KKR by 2 runs.
IPL Performances
Both have reached the semifinals once, Kings XI in inaugural edition, and KKR in the last edition.
In 2008 KKR had 6 Win, 7 Losses, 1 No Result against DD. In 2009 they Won 3, Lost 10 and again had 1 No Result. In 2010 they had the best performance with 7 Wins and 7 Losses. In 2011, they won 8 and lost 7.
Kings XI has reached 2008 semifinals. They won 10 matches and lost 5. In 2009, Kings XI could not reach the semifinal and had even results, winning 7 and losing 7. 2010 saw their worst performance when they won 4 and lost 10. In 2011, they won 7 and lost 7.
Overall Performance
KKR has one of the worst record with 26 Wins, 34 Losses and 2 No Result. Kings XI has won 30 matches and lost 31 before this match.
Who Will Win Today!!
Kings XI have won two on a trot and playing at a home third consecutive victory is an easy probability.
KKR on the other hand, has ultimatum from its captain who has named the non-performing players. That may motivate, or backfire as none likes to be rebuked in public.
Overall, there is nothing to choose between them on performance. Both have been equally inconsistent. Both have batting woes. KKR has better bowling, but even that is not consistent.
Kings XI is still looking for the batting formula to score runs. They have already rested hero of 2011, Valthaty. Gilchrist is struggling. Mandeep Singh has been a good talent being the only Kings XI player to have reached 100-runs. Piyush Chawla appears another good batting prospect. Yet, batting is not threatening.
KKR must have planned well by now. Kallis and Gambhir may play more seriously to stay and provide a good opening. Middle order may fire too with some sensible batting. They have the right potential, implementation may be visible today.
KKR will win.
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