[Watch] Graeme Swann jokingly spins around in sweltering heat in Kolkata during pitch report for KKR vs RCB IPL 2024 match

Former England cricketer Graeme Swann was stunned by the sweltering conditions and a temperature of 43 degrees for the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 game between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Sunday (April 21).

During the pitch report, Swann said:

"We need to talk about the heat. Well, it's so hot out here today 43 degrees in the middle and this pitch is gonna suffer because of it because it's very dry."

He continued:

"It's the second time this pitch has been used. The last KKR used, Phil Salt got runs. The most of wicket looks even, most of it is very very flat."

Watch the clip below:

Braving heat, RCB opt to bowl against KKR in IPL 2024 clash

RCB captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and chose to bowl first against KKR despite the extreme heat. RCB made three changes as Cameron Green, Mohammed Siraj and Karn Sharma were included in the playing XI.

At the toss, Faf said:

"We will chase. This is probably a chasing ground, always has been. I'm a fan of batting first when it's really hot, but the temperature did drop after an hour or so yesterday, unlike in Mumbai or Chennai where it stays very hot."

He added:

"We have three changes - Green and Siraj come back, so does Karn Sharma."

RCB, the world's first carbon-neutral cricket team, are wearing green jerseys as part of their initiative, which started in 2011. Notably, this is the first time they are donning the jersey in an away game.

On the other hand, the Shreyas Iyer-led KKR fielded an unchanged side despite losing to Rajasthan Royals in a last-ball thriller in their previous fixture at the venue.

KKR are currently placed third in the points table with four wins in six games. They will be looking to return to winning ways.

On the other hand, the Bengaluru-based franchise have managed just one win in seven matches so far. They must win their remaining games to keep themselves in the fray for a playoff spot.

Follow the KKR vs RCB IPL 2024 live score and updates here.