KKR vs RCB: Head-to-head and other interesting stats
What's the story
The Eden Gardens curtain-raiser will see Kolkata Knight Riders locking horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. Both the sides boast quality in their ranks and the fixture certainly looks like an entertaining affair. But which team would hold the edge when Kohli-led RCB walk onto the lush green outfield of Kolkata's Eden Gardens? Here's our pre-match report.
Data
KKR have a better head-to-head record
In IPL, the two sides have met on 20 occasions with KKR emerging victorious 11 times as compared to Bangalore's 9 wins. At Eden Gardens, they have played 8-ties, with the home-side winning 5. Last season, KKR won both home and away fixtures against RCB.
Pace friendly
Pacers to have the final say at Eden Gardens?
7 matches were played at the Eden Gardens last season with pace bowlers bagging 61 wickets as compared to 24 wickets picked by the spinners. Kolkata have an impressive pace unit as do Bangalore. In the past, the toss has made a huge difference at the Eden Gardens as the winning captain has opted to chase in all the 7 matches played in 2017.
Change in leadership
Dinesh Karthik to lead Kolkata Knight Riders
KKR will be captained by Dinesh Karthik this season after Gambhir was not retained by the management. The Knight Riders also opted to retain Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. They also signed several top players at the auction. Despite having the smallest side with 19 players on the roster, KKR have enough players who can do the damage.
Quality side
Bangalore have an exciting squad
Royal Challengers Bangalore retained their core of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers while also opting to keep uncapped Sarfaraz Khan. They also used the 'Right to Match' card to secure the services of Yuzvendra Chahal. RCB might have missed out on signing Chris Gayle, but they have replaced him with the explosive Brendon McCullum.
Lynn boost
Despite Starc's absence KKR have enough firepower
Knight Riders were dealt with a major blow when pace spearhead Mitchell Starc was ruled out due to a stress fracture. However, England's Tom Curran as a replacement should ease the problems. There were doubts about explosive opener Chris Lynn's participation after he suffered a shoulder injury. But it looks like he should be fit to make the playing XI.
Data
RCB looking to avenge 2017 Eden Gardens horror
The last time the two sides met at the Eden Gardens, Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers were left red faced after the Knight Riders bundled them out for just 49. This is the lowest score in the history of IPL so far.