Also Read: IPL 2023: Can Russell-power come to KKR's rescue?

Coming off four losses

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KKR are coming off four successive losses, but perhaps drawing confidence from their 81-run win over RCB at Eden Gardens more than a fortnight back, they produced a strong batting performance in the return fixture. Roy, who had scored 43 and 61 in his only two previous outings, led the way with a sparkling half-century that included four sixes in one Shahbaz Ahamad over, while skipper Nitish Rana rode his luck to ensure KKR finished on 200 for five.

There were others, who played bit parts, including N Jagadeesan, who helped Roy add 83 for the first wicket, and Venkatesh Iyer, who was Rana’s ally during a third-wicket stand of 80. Rinku Singh chipped in with a bruising cameo as did David Wiese. 

Having warmed up with two boundaries in the first over from Mohammed Siraj, Roy’s comfort levels increased with each delivery even as Jagadeesan struggled. Both perished in the same Vyshak Vijay Kumar over, but RCB denied themselves any chance of making the most of those breakthroughs with Siraj and then Harshal Patel putting down catches when Rana was five and 19 respectively.