The Rajasthan Royals efficiently entered the playoffs with eight wins in nine matches, but since then have suffered four consecutive defeats. Recent losses to the Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Chennai Super Kings have exposed a number of weaknesses that Rajasthan needs to address soon.
Their form of late appears fragile, and they no longer have Jos Buttler, who could provide explosive starts. He exited the tournament to prepare for the T20 World Cup in England next month. Tom Kohler-Cadmore is still trying to find his famed touch as Buttler’s replacement in the Royals. Much depends on the role of Riyan Parag. He’s Rajasthan’s top scorer in this IPL season with 531 runs in 12 innings.
Yuzvendra Chahal has emerged as the most impactful player for the Royals in the IPL this year. Among the tournament’s top performers, Chahal has taken 17 wickets in 13 matches. He has received good support from the fast bowlers Avesh Khan and Trent Boult, who have shared 24 wickets.
The Knight Riders haven’t lost a match since late April 2024, but their recent success was halted by a defeat to the Gujarat Titans. Despite this setback, the Knight Riders have made it to the playoffs and continue to vie for their third IPL title, having won the tournament in 2012 and 2014.
Kolkata will also be without the star of the English national team for the remainder of the tournament. Phil Salt, like Buttler, has joined England ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. KKR is still led by Sunil Narine. He is their top scorer in this IPL season with 461 runs in 12 innings.
Narine, as one of the tournament’s best all-rounders, has also taken 15 wickets. He’s been one of the standout performers for the Knight Riders this season. Varun Chakravarthy has taken the most wickets for KKR this IPL season. He has 18 compared to Harshit Rana’s 16.
The bet is on the favorites "Kolkata Knight Riders" with odds of 1.80.
