Can Kolkata stop Bangalore's run?

Match facts

Saturday, April 28, 2012
Start time 2000 (1430 GMT)

Both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders were unlucky with the weather in their most recent matches. Rain didn't allow a ball to be bowled in both games, though the one point was handy for Royal Challengers as they moved from sixth place to fourth. Knight Riders moved from third to second after the Eden Gardens washout, and they are still in that position.

Their previous match was Knight Riders' first win in this edition. After a strong start provided by the top three, Knight Riders collapsed to what seemed like a below-par 165 against a strong Royal Challengers line-up. Knight Riders pulled things back courtesy L Balaji's 4 for 18, which saw the hosts crashing to 123.

Royal Challengers' are on the upswing, having won three out of three before the washout. Virat Kohli walked out for the toss before the rain against Chennai Super Kings to cover for Daniel Vettori who had a niggle, but Vettori is likely to return.

Form guide

(most recent first)

Royal Challengers Bangalore: NR, WWWL
Kolkata Knight Riders: NR, WWLW

Players to watch

With one fifty in seven games, Virat Kohli is yet to recreate his one-day form in this IPL. He was promoted to open against Rajasthan Royals but managed only 16. Fortunately for him, Royal Challengers' overseas batsmen have been in good touch.

Time and patience is running out for Yusuf Pathan, who has just 29 runs from six innings. He's yet to pick up a wicket too. Knight Riders have shown faith in his abilities, though, so one big innings should set things right. .

"We're still far below than playing our best cricket. When I look around the dressing-room I see some matchwinners. Our best is yet to come."
Gautam Gambhir on Knight Riders' performances so far.

"If we concentrate on Gayle solely, what will happen to the others? They have two or three others in terrific form. It's going to be a tough game."
Knight Riders coach Trevor Bayliss on Royal Challengers' strong batting line-up.