Shane Warne and Ganguly made Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders match interesting for different reasons. Now, with Warne retired from IPL, and Ganguly captaining Pune Warriors, the same passion may be difficult to generate. Dravid and Gambhir are opposite poles as captain. After one match each, while Royals can be considered confident, KKR must be looking to justify the strong tag associated with it.
They have played one of the two ties recorded in IPL history. Considering the talent and money factor, KKR has a lot, while RR is relying on sheer extraodrinary performances from a pool of young talented guns. The model turned successful in 2008, but since then they have been more often not so good.
Head-to-Head
2008
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RR def KKR by 45 runs
RR def KKR by 6 Wickets
2009
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RR def KKR in Super Over (After tie)
KKR def RR by 4 Wickets
2010
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RR def KKR by 34 Runs
KKR def RR by 8 Wickets
2011
2008 Performance
On their way to championship RR won record 13 matches and lost just 3. KKR failed to impress despite 6 Wins, 7 Losses and one no result.
2009 Performance
South Africa did not suit them and they managed just 5 wins, Lost 8, and 1 was abandoned. KKR finished at the bottom with just 3 wins, 10 losses and one abandoned match.
2010 Performance
RR again failed to enter knockout and could win only 6 and Lost 8 matches. KKR had a better season with 7 Wins 7 Losses, still failed to break into knockout stage.
2011 Performance
KKR reached the semifinal for the first time winning 8 and losing 7. RR on the other hand could finish 6th with 6 wins and 7 losses.
Overall in IPL
RR has a positive win loss ratio, making them one of the successful teams of IPL. They have Won 33, Lost 27, and two matches were abandoned. With 26 Wins, 33 Losses, 2 No Result KKR has the second worst record among the IPL teams.
Who Will Win Today!
Royals have won 13 of the 18 games played at home in Jaipur. Yet, even the owners will agree that without Shane Warne and in the absence of Watson the team is no more that strong. Still in the first match the unknown batsmen provided a noticeable win.
KKR on the other hand disappointed not only the stadium full of its own fans in the rain-curtailed match against DD, but also many who consider it as a good candidate for the semifinal again.
Dravid proved a better captain than Gambhir in their first games. With Jaipur being home to low scores, batting talent of Dravid and Rahane will be crucial. If Botha and other Royals bowlers can extract the help out of their home ground, as they usually do, KKRs strong team will fail to open account even in second game.
Gambhir, Kallis and Yusuf Pathan will be crucial to KKRs fate tomorrow. Considering the better bowling attack of Royals, KKRs win will be a surprise in the match.
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