Royals test for Knights
Dravid’s men high on confidence after humbling Kings XI Punjab in opener
Having got off to a bright start, Rajasthan Royals will look to carry on the good work against the Kolkata Knight Riders, here on Sunday afternoon.
The Knights will be a different ballgame, given the talent they possess in Jacques Kallis, Brett Lee, Yusuf Pathan, besides skipper Gautam Gambhir.
The hosts will be boosted by their clinical show against Kings XI Punjab on Friday. Rajasthan, who have a stronger squad this year than any of the earlier four editions, went about their job in a methodical way.
Ajinkya Rahane gave a good display of his batting prowess and found an able mentor in Rahul Dravid at the other end.
Local talent Ashok Menaria, Australia’s Brad Hodge, all- rounder Johan Botha of South Africa and newbie Kevon Cooper add to the strength.
The Knights arrived here after a disheartening loss to the Delhi Daredevils and will be desperate to get their IPL- 5 campaign going.
Kolkata’s forceful opening duo of Jacques Kallis and Brendon Mccullum give them the edge, and it will be crucial for the Rajasthan Royals to get their bowling combination right.
The likes of Iqbal Abdulla, Yusuf, Rajat Bhatia and Manoj Tiwary are proven performers in Indian conditions, and will look to turn things around in their second encounter.
Kolkata’s batsmen, however, were a huge letdown in the game against Delhi. And Gambhir — not in the best of form — will have to lead from the front.
On the day, he spent considerable time at the nets as Kolkata trained for close to three hours. Besides fielding, focus was clearly on the big hits.
The visitors also appear stronger in the bowling department, but with Amit Singh and Cooper bowling economical spells for Royals on Friday, it should turn out to be an engaging contest. The 23year Trinidad all- rounder surprised everyone, most of all the Kings XI batsmen, in his first game in IPL. Cooper, with his slow pace deliveries, can be quite an asset in the Royals’ campaign. Even if past his prime, Kallis has the ability to take on the best of attacks head- on. Add his all- round abilities, and the 36- year- old South African can be the man for the Knights.