KKR vs RR: Tips to pick the Dream11
What's the story
The IPL 2019 has almost reached its business end, but the excitement continues to increase with each passing game.
The match number 43 would see Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals clash at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Thursday.
Both the teams find themselves in the bottom half of the table, as they fight for survival.
Here we present the ideal Dream11.
Wicket-keeper
Sanju Samson: The leader behind the stumps
Starting with the wicket-keeping department, it's an interesting call between Dinesh Karthik and Sanju Samson.
While DK, being a veteran, has more experience, we feel fans should pick Samson in their fantasy side. The Rajasthan wicket-keeper has been in fine form with the bat, scoring 239 runs, including a ton.
On the other hand, DK has struggled this term with just 117 runs.
Batsmen
Chris Lynn, Ajinkya Rahane form a top batting pair
As for batting, the line-up starts with the explosive opener Chris Lynn, who played a mature innings of 51 in the last game.
Further, Rajasthan's Ajinkya Rahane, who scored an unbeaten 105 in the last game, is a must inclusion.
To support the pair, Rajasthan's Steve Smith gets the nod, who has been batting brilliantly of late, while KKR's Nitish is a no-brainer.
All-rounders
Andre Russell, Riyan Parag among the all-rounders
The all-round department has to start with KKR's Sunil Narine.
He is not only a mystery spinner, but can also provide an explosive start with the bat.
The department would be headlined by Andre Russell, who is enjoying the form of his life.
From Rajasthan, Riyan Parag makes the list, who has been impressive in the last couple of matches, especially with the ball.
Bowlers
Yarra Prithviraj, Jofra Archer to headline bowling attack
KKR's Yarra Prithviraj can be included in the XI, given his performance in the last game.
In what was a one-sided game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Prithviraj was the lone wicket-taker for KKR.
Further, KKR's spinners have been struggling this season.
From Rajasthan, Jofra Archer is a must pick. He would be supported by his team-mate Shreyas Gopal, who has been exceptional in 2019.
Leaders
Russell the skipper, Rahane his deputy
Picking the leaders of this XI was a tough call.
However, after careful analysis, we feel that Russell is once again the ideal man to captain this Dream11.
He might be promoted up the order tomorrow, giving him a chance to extract more points.
As for his deputy, Rahane makes the cut, as he would look to continue in the same vein.