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  • After A Stumble Rajasthan Royals Look To Rise Again Against Winless Kkr 69E47668bc4e0baeebc44aab

After a Stumble, Rajasthan Royals Look to Rise Again Against Winless KKR

Kaushik Kashyap

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ajinkya Rahane. [Source - AP]Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Ajinkya Rahane. [Source - AP]

As IPL 2026 enters its fourth week, Kolkata Knight Riders is still winless, struggling with five losses and one washout. Their recent defeat to Gujarat Titans leaves them at the bottom of the points table, desperately searching for a win.

Rajasthan Royals, in contrast, made a strong start, winning four consecutive matches. However, they were hammered by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last outing, suffering a disappointing defeat. With 4 wins from 5 games, they sit 3rd and aim to bounce back.

Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders are hosting Rajasthan Royals in Match 28 of IPL 2026 on Sunday, April. The much anticipated encounter will be played at the Eden Gardens and is scheduled to start from 3:30 PM IST.

KKR in a Real Spot of Bother

KKR are on the brink of an early elimination in IPL 2026 if they don’t address their issues. With just one point from six matches, they are in desperate need of a turnaround to keep their hopes alive.

The biggest problem for KKR has been their constantly changing playing combination. Different players are shuffled into different positions every game, preventing any stability or momentum. 

As a result, 

  • the team’s batting average is a low 23.7, second only to LSG. 
  • Additionally, KKR has consistently lost early wickets, with 12 dismissals inside the powerplay, the second most this season.

However, there is some good news in Cameron Green as he has found form, scoring vital runs after coming to bat early in the powerplay against Gujarat Titans. 

This entry point suits his game, and in fact, it works for most of the KKR batters. So, KKR will need find ways to address the squad construction issues that have plagued them for two seasons now.

Rajasthan Royals’ Top-Order Dominance and Middle-Order Woes

Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, had a rocket start to IPL 2026, largely driven by the rise of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Their top-order has been their biggest strength, 

  • contributing 69.13% of the team's total runs so far, 
  • the highest of any team this season. 
  • Additionally, their strike-rate of 191.78 has been second to none. .

However, Rajasthan Royals' middle-order is averaging just 21.7 in IPL 2026, with Riyan Parag at No. 4 at the center of the spotlight, having scored only 49 runs in 5 innings. 

He, along with the rest of the middle-order, needs to step up when the top order fails to deliver a strong start, as happened in their last defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Key Stats

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been Rajasthan Royals’ best batter this season with 200 runs at 263.15 strike-rate.
  • Ravi Bishnoi has been the highest wicket-taking spinner in IPL 2026 - 9 wickets, 10.66 strike-rate.
  • Sunil Narine has been one of the most economical bowlers in IPL 2026 - 5 matches, 4 wickets and 6.89 economy.
  • KKR lead the head-to-head record vs Rajasthan Royals by 16-12.
  • KKR has also won 7 of the 11 matches vs Rajasthan Royals at the Eden Gardens.
  • KKR has won 3 of the last 5 matches vs Rajasthan Royals.
  • Rajasthan Royals has been the most successful bowling team inside powerplay this season - 13 wickets, 8.97 economy and 13.85 strike-rate.
  • Jofra Archer has taken joint most wickets in powerplay this season - 5 wickets, 10.80 strike-rate.
  • Meanwhile, KKR has been the most expensive powerplay bowling team in IPL 2026 - 12.10 rpo.
  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scored 170 runs at 271.21 strike-rate inside powerplay this season.
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 151 runs at an average of 75.5 and 196.1 strike-rate vs KKR at the Eden Gardens.
  • Riyan Parag loves playing at Eden Gardens vs KKR - 176 runs, 58.66 average and 195.55 strike-rate.
  • Rajasthan Royals has the best bowling average in IPL 2026 so far - 22.91 and 14.7 strike-rate.
  • KKR, meanwhile, has been the second most expensive bowling attack in IPL 2026.
  • Rajasthan Royals spinners have taken a wicket every 10.7 balls this season and at an average of 15.85.
  • Ravi Bishnoi has dismissed Rovman Powell 5 times in 39 balls in T20s.
  • Riyan Parag has scored 21 runs at 175 strike-rate against Varun Chakravarthy.
  • KKR has the worst batting average against left-arm pacers since IPL 2025 - 20 dismissals and 19.2 average.

Also Read: World Cup Winner Injured For CSK; Puts Rest Of IPL 2026 At Risk After Bizarre Move

Possible Changes

Will Matheesha Pathirana Play Against Rajasthan Royals?

Matheesha Pathirana has reached Kolkata and rejoined the squad, providing a timely boost to the camp. However, despite his arrival, the Sri Lankan pacer is unlikely to feature in the playing XI for KKR against Rajasthan Royals.

Shimron Hetmyer Set to Return for Rajasthan Royals

Shimron Hetmyer, who missed the previous clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, is expected to return to the playing XI for Rajasthan Royals against KKR, adding much-needed firepower to their middle-order.

What To Expect?

It is expected to be a high-scoring afternoon contest at Eden Gardens, especially if Rajasthan Royals bat first. The conditions generally stay good for batting in day games here, often allowing teams setting a target to pile up massive totals and control the match.

However, a lot will depend on how Rajasthan Royals negotiate KKR’s spin attack, particularly Sunil Narine, who could be a major factor even in the death overs. If they handle that challenge well, Rajasthan’s balanced side might just edge out KKR in this clash.

Also Read: Krunal Pandya Takes RCB Up In IPL Fair Play Award List Amid Axar Patel Retired Hurt