KKR vs RCB | IPL 2023 Match 9 Preview & Prediction

KKR vs RCB is a clash between the two heavyweights in Indian Premier League (IPL). Both teams are among the most popular franchises in T20 cricket and are keen to taste success. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are returning to Eden Gardens for the first time since the 2019 season. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will aim to bag two points in their first away match of the season.

The nail-biting encounter is on April 6, Thursday, and starts at 7:30 PM.

Kolkata Knight Riders Overview

Shreyas Iyer-less KKR has a challenging task in its opening home game of IPL 2023. The two-time champions will heavily rely on experienced batters Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, and Venkatesh Iyer. Bangladesh duo Shakib Al Hasan and Litton Das are unavailable as the duo will only join the squad after the one-off Test against Ireland at home.

The franchise has a strong pace bowling unit, which includes Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, and Lockie Ferguson. Spinners Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy are capable of producing match-winning performances. If the bowling attack rises to the occasion, KKR is a tough side to beat.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Overview

No team has a more experienced batting unit than RCB in IPL. The three-time finalists will pin their hopes on Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, and Dinesh Karthik. All four players are match-winners and are unstoppable when they find their groove. With Rajat Patidar out with injury, all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed has a vital role in the batting department.

The absence of Josh Hazlewood and Wanindu Hasaranga is an issue for RCB. The Aussie is recovering from an injury, while the all-rounder will only join the squad after April 8th. Domestic bowlers Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, and Shahbaz will have the extra responsibility in the absence of two top overseas players.

KKR vs RCB Head-to-Head

Hasaranga and Harshal starred in RCB’s three-wicket win over KKR in the previous meeting between franchises. The Lankan took four wickets, while the medium-pacer produced an excellent all-round effort.

PBKS vs KKR Last Five Meetings

Date	Winner	Margin
March 30, 2022	RCB	Won by 3 Wickets
October 11, 2021	KKR	Won by 4 Wickets
September 20, 2021	KKR	Won by 9 Wickets
April 18, 2021	RCB	Won by 38 Runs
October 21, 2020	RCB	Won by 8 Wickets

KKR & RCB IPL 2022 Stats

Here are the IPL 2022 stats of KKR & RCB:

Top Run-scorer: Andre Russell – 335 runs (KKR); Faf du Plessis – 468 runs (RCB)

Most Wickets: Andre Russell – 17 wickets (KKR); Wanindu Hasaranga – 26 wickets (RCB)

Most Sixes: Andre Russell – 32 sixes (KKR); Dinesh Karthik – 22 sixes (RCB)

Probable Best Batter & Bowler

Du Plessis and Harshal will emerge as the top run-scorer and wicket-taker in the match.

KKR vs RCB: Who will Win?

In terms of the prediction for the upcoming match, it is hard to say who will win. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, which will come down to who performs better on the day. RCB has a more balanced team on paper, but KKR has a few players who could turn the game in its favor. It will be a closely contested match, and RCB could snatch all two points at Eden Gardens.