Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be in a tight corner without their 'mystery spinner' Sunil Narine, reported for chucking, as they gear up to face Rajasthan Royals here on Sunday.
Narine, whose action has yet again come under scanner will undergo corrective measures at the ICC and BCCI accredited testing facility SRASSC in Chennai and won't be available for the Royals game.
The Royals will also be keen to return to winning ways after as they have now lost back -to-back matches after five successive victories. In case of Narine, he is eligible to bowl in forthcoming matches but it's highly unlikely that KKR , which have stood firm by the Trinidad and Tobago off-spinner will risk a bowler in Sunday's match.
Beginning with RR, KKR will go on to complete all their remaining five home outings by May 9, as they would look to secure maximum to ensure a berth in the playoffs.
In batting, KKR have been relying heavily on skipper Gautam Gambhir who has three half-centuries, as the likes of Robin Uthappa, the last season's top run-getter, Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav are yet to convert their starts. Pathan Senior also has been a regular feature for KKR in past four years with very little to show for his efforts apart from one odd innings here and there.
RR, on the other hand, will be formidable with Ajinkya Rahane, the leading run-getter this season, and Steve Smith in fine form. Add skipper Shane Watson's all-round finesse and Deepak Hooda's blazing strike-rate (208.92) and Royals would look menacing.
Since making his IPl debut at 41, Pravin Tambe, now 43, has impressed and has taken six scalps this season. With Chris Morris and James Faulkner their pace department also look in safe hands.