Having lost their opening games of the season, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders will be eager to secure their first win when the two former champions face off at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, 26 March.
Riyan Parag will continue to lead the Royals, with Sanju Samson still recovering from a finger injury. The previous game was a forgettable outing for Parag as captain, and he will be keen to bounce back both with the bat and as a leader by executing his plans on a ground where he has played most of his cricket. No one knows the conditions in Guwahati better than Parag, but his biggest challenge will be managing his bowlers against KKR’s deep and powerful batting lineup. Fans are sure to rally behind their local hero.
Like RR, expect strong support for KKR as well. Bowlers might find some assistance, but there is still uncertainty about how the pitch will play. It may not be as flat as the surfaces seen in Ahmedabad or Hyderabad.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium: Pitch & Weather Report
The last time these two teams faced off in Guwahati, rain played spoilsport, but the weather looks clear this time, which is good news for both fans and players. Traditionally, the pitch has been good for batting, though the venue is yet to witness a 200-plus total in the IPL. That trend could change tonight, with both sides boasting powerful batting lineups.
Teams batting first have enjoyed success at this venue, winning two out of three games. The average first-innings total stands at 180, suggesting another high-scoring contest could be on the cards.