KXIP vs KKR Preview: Pitch Report, Weather Report, Toss Prediction, Form Guide for IPL Match 52

KXIP vs KKR Preview: The Sportsrush presents before you full preview of the 52nd match of IPL 2019 between Kings XI and Knight Riders.

Kings XI Punjab will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in a virtual knockout game at Mohali. The IS Bindra PCA Stadium might witness an exciting contest as the these 2 teams look to get the better of each other and keep their playoff hopes alive. The loser of this match would not have a chance to get to 14 points under any circumstances. Hence, it is a do-or-die encounter here for both teams.

Form Guide

Kings XI Punjab, like 2018, have had a very rough 2 nd half in the IPL. They have lost 3 matches on the trot and need to find some spark in order to win again. They have looked out of sorts in the bowling department and the middle order has also not contributed enough. Their over-dependence on Gayle and KL Rahul has cost them in the last few matches.

Kolkata Knight Riders managed to break their losing streak with a dominant victory against Mumbai Indians. They are on a high and would want to continue that form in the next 2 matches. They need to get to 14 points and hope for a few results to go their way in order to qualify.

Playing Russell up the order and giving him around 10 overs to make an impact seems a good strategy which is likely to be continued. The rest of the batting order need to complement Russell well. The bowlers need to come to the party desperately for KKR.

Team Changes

Kings XI have been known for chopping and changing their squad constantly in every match. They might look to give the young Simran Singh another game at least. Mujeeb ur Rahman might miss out on a spot after giving away 66 runs in 4 overs. Hardus Viljoen should make his way back into the squad. Arshdeep Singh might be replaced by Harpreet Brar who can spin the ball well.

Kolkata Knight Riders is expected to play a similar team. However, they were a bowler short on their last match which almost cost them the game. They might look to strengthen their bowling by bringing back Kuldeep Yadav who has had a 2 week break now. Playing spinners on a big ground like Mohali might be a good move. Rinku Singh would be unlikely to miss out.

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Pitch and Weather Prediction

The Mohali pitch has played out well in this season with batsmen scoring tons of runs if they apply themselves. With an average score of 167 in this season, it will be an even game between bat and ball here. However, if Gayle-storm or Muscle-Russell strikes, the scores will surely cross the 200-run mark.

There is expected to be a cloud cover over Mohali. However, there is no chance of any rainfall. The cloud cover would ensure that the dew does not settle in enough to affect the fate of the match. The temperature will remain around 28-31°C but a low humidity will ensure that the players are not too uncomfortable on the field.

Toss Prediction

Considering the strengths of both these teams, they would love to bowl first. The fact that the chasing team has won 3 of the 5 matches at this venue would make the decision even simpler for the captains.