Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore taking place? Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore will take place on Monday 20th September, 2021 at 15:00 (UK)
Where is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore taking place? Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore will take place at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi
What is the expected weather for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? 33-35c with sunshine at first, before clear skies later alongside a gentle breeze
Where can I get tickets for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? Check each team’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore on in the UK? Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore live on Sky Go
THE TEAM NEWS
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
- Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping that the resumption of the IPL represents a fresh start for them, having won just two of their seven games played in the competition so far, leaving them marooned in seventh-place.
- Star overseas bowler Pat Cummins has withdrawn from this second leg of the IPL due to personal reasons, with New Zealand international Tim Southee signed as a replacement, whilst big-hitting West Indian all-rounder Andre Russell will be available for KKR.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
- Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore are firmly in the mix for play-off qualification, with ten points from seven matches putting them in a good position heading into the IPL’s restart as they continue their quest to finally win their first Indian Premier League title.
- RCB have replaced a number of overseas players ahead of this second phase as Australian trio Adam Zampa, Daniel Sams and Kane Richardson are all unavailable alongside New Zealand’s Finn Allen, with the likes of Sri Lankan duo Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, Sussex Sussex all-rounder George Garton and big hitting Singaporean Tim David all joining the franchise.
THE PREDICTION
Whilst RCB have seen plenty of upheaval within their overseas ranks, the key men of Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers both remain among the squad and the latter in particular looks in ominous form having smashed a century in a practice match leading into this encounter. Kohli, de Villiers and Maxwell represent a world class batting trio, who will likely play a key role in this match alongside a potential future star on Indian cricket in Devdutt Padikkal. KKR have disappointed in the tournament so far and things don’t look like changing come the IPL’s restart with Cummins a big loss to their side. They don’t appear to have the depth within their starting line-up that RCB do and their well-balanced unit led by Kohli has the perfect mix of youth exuberance and big match experience. It would be a surprise if RCB were not to come out on top in this one.
