In a crucial IPL 2026 encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 57 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
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With the playoff race heating up, both teams are desperate for a victory. RCB currently sit second on the points table with 14 points from 11 matches, while KKR are placed eighth with 9 points from 10 games.
RCB come into this contest as favourites after a dramatic two-wicket win over Mumbai Indians, where Krunal Pandya's explosive 73 off 46 balls proved decisive. However, their batting has shown inconsistency, highlighted by Virat Kohli's back-to-back ducks. KKR, meanwhile, have
surged back into contention with four consecutive victories, displaying impressive batting depth and a strong bowling attack led by Sunil Narine.
RCB vs KKR Team News
RCB will be without explosive opener Phil Salt, who continues to miss games due to a finger injury. Jacob Bethell remains in his place at the top of the order. The pace attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, continues to be their biggest strength. No major changes are expected following their recent win.
For KKR, the fitness of star spinner Varun Chakravarthy remains a concern after he injured his foot in the previous match. If unavailable, Prashant Solanki or Daksh Kamra could replace him. Captain Ajinkya Rahane will rely on in-form batters, including Rinku Singh, Cameron Green, and Rovman Powell. Matheesha Pathirana is fully fit and available for selection.
The Raipur pitch is expected to offer early swing for the pacers and assistance to spinners in the middle overs. While RCB enjoy home advantage and the services of a motivated Virat Kohli, KKR's recent momentum and bowling depth make this a highly competitive contest. This match could significantly influence the final playoff standings.
RCB vs KKR Predicted Playing 11
RCB Playing XI: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar.
Impact Player: Devdutt Padikkal
KKR Playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (wk), Cameron Green, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Kartik Tyagi, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy (if fit).
Impact Player: Finn Allen
