IPL 2026, KKR vs RR 28th Match Match Preview - RR seek to fix cracks; KKR battle deeper woes Rajasthan Royals face a critical test as they aim to address their vulnerabilities ahead of their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. The match, scheduled for April 19, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for both teams, with RR needing to mend their batting woes and KKR striving to avoid a disastrous start to the season. The Royals' recent performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad exposed significant weaknesses in their middle and lower-middle order. In a match that effectively ended after the first over of the chase, RR were reduced to 1 for 3 in pursuit of 217, a collapse that highlighted their struggles. The absence of Shimron Hetmyer, who has been a key player for RR, further compounded their issues. Riyan Parag, despite being a frontline bowler, has struggled with his scoring, averaging 49 in five games, while Ravindra Jadeja, a crucial allrounder, has faced challenges with his strike rate of 118.75. Jofra Archer, placed at No. 8 in the Impact Player era, has not provided the confidence RR hoped for. The team's reliance on Jadeja as an allrounder has been a double-edged sword. While he is expected to balance the side, his limited bowling contributions—just seven overs in five games—raise questions about his role. With Parag available to contribute, there is speculation about whether RR should consider replacing Jadeja with a dedicated batter. Potential options include Shubham Dubey and Ravi Singh, who could offer more stability in the batting lineup. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves in a far more precarious position. After six games, KKR have secured just one point, placing them among the worst-performing teams in IPL history.#ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #kolkata_knight_riders #eden_gardens #rr_kkr
