IPL 2018, KXIP vs RR Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals 

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have played the least number of games so far in this IPL (8 games each). But the two teams from the north find themselves at different ends of the spectrum. While Kings XI Punjab have enjoyed a very good run so far and are placed fourth on the points table, Rajasthan Royals lie at the bottom with just three wins out of their eight games and also have the worst net run-rate.

The two teams will face each other twice in three days and the first of which will take place in Kings XI Punjab’s second home ground of the season, Holkar Stadium in Indore. KXIP who returned after a week long's break a couple of days back lost to Mumbai Indians while Rajasthan Royals who enjoyed a 4-day break have lost two consecutive games.

Hence, it is a crucial encounter as the hosts KXIP will look to get back winning ways and climb to the third spot in the table and inch closer to the play-offs spot. On the other hand, RR will be looking to snap their two-match losing streak and a win will propel them to the fifth position in the table.

Date: 6th May 2018

Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

Time: 8.00 PM IST

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If Kings XI Punjab bat first

Predicted Score – 180+

Ever since Chris Gayle has been included in the playing XI, there’s been a whole new dimension to Kings XI Punjab’s batting line-up. The big Jamaican has scored three fifties and a blistering hundred in five innings. He has carried KXIP’s batting line-up and along with KL Rahul, he has formed a dominant opening partnership. The duo have forged a terrific combo as they have shared five 50+ stands in this IPL.

However, the KXIP middle order hasn’t quite fired. Mayank Agarwal has been getting good starts but hasn’t been able to convert them. Karun Nair is also looking good but a big score has eluded him as well. Both the Karnataka players have got some good-looking 20s and 30s but have failed to kick on.

Yuvraj Singh has had a poor IPL so far and was also dropped for one game. Aaron Finch hasn’t quite hit his straps either. Marcus Stoinis who was drafted in for Finch did well as he scored a 15-ball 29 and KXIP will be hoping he continues to provide the impetus at the death.

Despite these middle-order woes, KXIP have found a way to get to a big (or competitive) total and hence, with the firepower and the depth KXIP have, a score at least 180 if KXIP bat first.

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If Rajasthan Royals bat first

Predicted score – 170+

Despite having some big names, Rajasthan Royals find themselves at the bottom of the table. The team has failed to fire in unison and one of the three departments have come up short in every game. However, they fought hard in the last game. Chasing 151 in 12 overs, they did give Delhi Daredevils a scare and threatened to win the game.

With a mammoth total in front of them, RR decided to promote Jos Buttler who was struggling for form to open the batting and the move paid off as the England wicket-keeper struck a magnificent 67 in 26 balls to give RR some hope.

D’Arcy Short was brought back in the side and after starting his innings scratchily, he looked in good touch and the confidence grew. So, it will be interesting to see if RR persist with the Buttler-Short combination at the top. Sanju Samson has been Rajasthan’s best batsman in this season so far and he has played the role of the anchor well.

Ben Stokes is one player who is yet to fire for the Rajasthan Royals. His form will be a cause for concern but he is too good a player to be missing out for long. Krishnappa Gowtham has been a revelation for RR this season. He’s been good with the ball and more importantly has donned the finisher’s role very well. The Karnataka all-rounder has been very good with the bat in hand, especially at the death.

Hence, RR have a very good batting line-up and some fireworks can be expected if they bat first. A score of at least 170 can be expected if the visitor's bat first.

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Match Prediction

It is a battle between two teams who have sharp captains. This is the first full season where both Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin are leading their respective sides and will be keen to help their team get back to winning ways. Both teams have great firepower in their batting but Kings XI Punjab hold the edge with the ball as they have more variety as compared to Rajasthan Royals.

However, this is a ground which has favoured the teams chasing as all six encounters at the Holkar Stadium in Indore have been won by the teams batting second. With small boundaries and dew expected to play some part later in the night, it won’t be a surprise if the team winning the toss opts to bowl first.

But, with KXIP top-order firing on all cylinders and RR struggling a bit with the ball, the hosts might have enough firepower to overcome the RR challenge.

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