Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to go one step closer to the playoffs with a win against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday, May 13.
Former RCB batter Wasim Jaffer warned the KKR camp about Virat Kohli’s threat, mentioning that the stalwart has registered ducks in the last two matches and is due for runs.
“Virat Kohli has been out twice on zero. All eyes will be on him that a player like Kohli has made back-to-back ducks. He is due for runs, so KKR will have to be mindful of that,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Jaffer previewed the game, saying that while KKR are on a four-match winning streak, RCB’s target is making the top two en route to the playoffs. He explained the importance of the match for KKR, adding that the three-time champions cannot afford to lose at this stage. The cricketer-turned-expert also shared his opinion on the surface in Raipur, which is a bit two-paced. Unless the pitch gets better, Jaffer feels that it will be a low-scoring contest.
“KKR has the momentum. They have won games. RCB won a tight game too and they are almost there. But they will have their eyes on that top two spot. If KKR lose here, they will be out. So it will be an interesting contest. The pitch here is a little tricky. It is two-paced. I hope the wicket is a bit better. But if it is the same, I don’t think it will be a high-scoring contest. The team that bowls well according to the pitch will win,” he explained.
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Jaffer backed the Gujarat Titans and RCB to finish in the top two. He believes that the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings will struggle, given their recent concerning results.
“Now we have to talk about GT in the top two. If RCB win today, they will be in the top two. I think these two teams are the frontrunners. SRH lost so they have problems now. Punjab will have to win all games, maybe then they will have a chance,” he said.
Jaffer said that the Kings have not played well in recent matches as they have lost four in a row. He opined that head coach Ricky Ponting and his men will have to rethink their strategies and look for a turnaround.
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“They have played some poor cricket. They need to improve their game if they want to qualify first and then make the top two. They need a big push from here. The story has changed for them. Ricky Ponting and company have to think long and hard. If they do not improve fast, they might even be out of the tournament. I think GT, RCB, and Punjab have a chance to make the top two,” he added.
