After a disappointing loss against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their season opener, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will hope to get back to winning ways when they host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens on April 6
In Shreyas Iyer's absence, Nitish Rana took up the mantle of KKR captaincy but his maiden match as the leader of the pack did not go as per plan, and KKR suffered a seven-run defeat.
More: Full IPL 2023 squad lists including KKR and RCB
Their opponents RCB, on the other hand, got off to a flying start as they outclassed five-time IPL winners Mumbai Indians by eight wickets.
Virat Kohli and captain Faf du Plessis put up a 148-run opening partnership to guide RCB to a comfortable victory. While Kohli remained 82 not out of just 49 deliveries, the veteran South African scored a blistering 73.
With confidence bubbling through the team, RCB will be the favourites against KKR despite the latter enjoying home advantage.
These two teams have faced each other 30 times in the past with KKR having the better head-to-head record with 16 wins compared to RCB's 14.
MORE: Full IPL schedule, results, live points table
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore date, time
| Match | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| Date | Monday, April 6 |
| Time | 19:30 IST |
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kolkata Knight Riders team news
KKR captain Shreyas Iyer has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury. The India international will undergo surgery and is also set to miss the World Test Championship against Australia.
The Kolkata-based franchisee will also miss the service of veteran Bangladeshi all-rounder Shakib Al Hassan who has communicated his unavailability to the team management. He cited international commitments and personal reasons for his absence.
The good news for KKR is that Shakib's teammate Litton Das will be available for selection from April 10.
RCB will continue to miss the services of Wanindu Hasaranga and James Hazlewood. While Hasaranga is currently in New Zealand for national team commitments, the Australian speedster is nursing Achilles tendonitis.
Rajat Patidar has been ruled out of the tournament due to a heel injury, the team confirmed on Tuesday.
Reece Topley, who suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener against Mumbai, has travelled with the squad to Kolkata.
MORE: IPL 2023 best bets and odds
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore TV, telecast details
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore will be broadcast in several languages, across the following TV channels:
- Star Sports 1
- Star Sports 1 Hindi
- Star Sports 3
- Star Sports Select 1
- Star Sports Select 1 HD
- Star Sports HD1
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore live stream, mobile, online details
Live streaming of RCB's trip to Kolkata is provided free of charge, exclusively through JioCinema app across a range of platforms.
Every IPL game will be available to stream for free via the JioCinema app.
MORE: Make your IPL 2023 predictions and win prizes with Dafabet in Premier League Million
WATCH: 20 Greatest T20 Players Roundtable
