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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL Tips - Eliminated visitors could trouble early

By Sridhar Bhamidi

02 May 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 02 May 2025

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Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL match predictions to be played in Kolkata on Sunday, May 4
Rajasthan scored the most powerplay runs in 9 of their last 10 matches
KKR conceded the most powerplay runs in their last 5 completed H2Hs

Can the Royals surprise their hosts in Kolkata? (Getty Images)

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL

The already-eliminated Rajasthan Royals could make things interesting in the race for IPL 2025 playoffs by going for a win against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. This will be fixture #53 to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata from 3:30 pm IST.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL
Head to Head
Kolkata Knight Riders Form
Kolkata Knight Riders Team News
Rajasthan Royals Form
Rajasthan Royals Team News
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL FAQs

It’s been an inconsistent season for both the Knight Riders and the Royals, although Kolkata are in a better position due to their performances at the beginning of the season. This match could see them push for a win, but I am looking at the Royals’ impressive numbers in the powerplays. Back RR to score big in the powerplays.

Rajasthan average a league-high 64.55 runs in the powerplays this season.
Kolkata average 54.10 in the powerplays, and only two teams have scored fewer.
Rajasthan scored the most powerplay runs in 9 of their last 10 matches.
Kolkata conceded the most powerplay runs in their last 5 completed matches against Rajasthan.

Head to Head

Kolkata played Rajasthan in 30 matches so far, with 15 wins for the Knight Riders and 12 wins for the Royals. Two matches ended in a tie, while one match finished without any result.

The teams met earlier in the season in Guwahati when the KKR team won by eight wickets with 15 balls remaining. They restricted the Royals to 151 for 9 with four bowlers taking two wickets each. Dhruv Jurel (33) top-scored for the Royals. The chase was led by Quinton de Kock (97*) and was done in a canter.

Kolkata Knight Riders Form

After Friday’s match, Kolkata remain seventh in the standings with nine points from ten matches (W4, L5, NR1). Four points separate them from the top four teams, and anything but a win here could complicate their chances.

The Knight Riders are coming off a 14-run win over Delhi Capitals, which helped them arrest a three-game winless run, losing two and one match ending without result.

No KKR player has yet aggregated 300 runs in the season, with Ajinkya Rahane the closest (297). The bowling performances have been better with four players taking at least ten wickets, led by Varun Chakravarthy (13 wickets, ER 7.15).

Kolkata Knight Riders Team News

Anukul Roy played for KKR in the last match, but he may be replaced here by Vaibhav Arora. Moeen Ali may come into the XI in place of Rovman Powell.

Rajasthan Royals Form

Rajasthan are eighth in the points tally with six points from 11 matches (W3, L8). They are already eliminated from the playoffs race and are perhaps looking to spoil the chances of other teams.

The Royals are coming off a 100-run thrashing at the hands of the Mumbai Indians, which was their sixth loss in the last seven matches. With nothing left to play for in the season, Rajasthan will hope to avenge the loss in the reverse fixture.

Yashasvi Jaiswal (439 runs, 5x50) is Rajasthan’s best batter and consistent as well. Their bowlers have struggled, with ten wickets being the most by any individual player.

Rajasthan Royals Team News

Hasaranga sat out the last match with a niggle, and if fit, he could come in place of Fazalhaq Farooqi. Kumar Kartikeya may give way to Sandeep Sharma.

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL FAQs

Where can I watch the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL live stream.

What time does Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL start?

This Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals IPL match is being played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata starting at 3:30 p.m. IST on Sunday, May 4.

Verdict

Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals - T20

Rajasthan may be out of contention for a playoff place, but their starts have been impressive this season. The Royals could once again dominate the early exchanges, and I am backing Rajasthan to score the most powerplay runs.

RR most powerplay runs

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