Can 'King Kohli' help RCB rise from the shambles? Here are five things to look forward to as RCB host KKR

A struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore will lock horns with two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday. RCB will be relying on home advantage to snap their winless streak and register their maiden win of this season. RCB will be heading into this clash after four straight losses. They were defeated by Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday by seven wickets in the penultimate over. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to overcome the Super Over loss against Delhi Capitals last Saturday. 

Here's a look at some of the key factors before RCB host KKR on Friday.

1. Will 'King Kohli' help RCB rise from shambles?: The RCB skipper seems to be on a lean patch both with the bat as well as while leading from the front. His team lost in the penultimate over against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday. Prior to the game against the Royals, Virat Kohli's side were completely outclassed by Sunrisers Hyderabad who handed them a mammoth 118 run defeat. Kohli's bat has also failed to do the talking barring that 46 against Mumbai Indians last week which ended up in a losing cause. So far, Kohli has only managed 78 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 98.73. 

2. Andre Russell's destruction: Andre Russell has had a dream season so far. He has easily managed to hit the bowlers into the stands. The West Indian all-rounder has amassed 159 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 248.43. He has also contributed with the ball by picking up five wickets at an average of 16.20 and at an economy of 9.00. Russell will be eager to make the most of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium which is an outstanding batting surface.

3. Head-to-head records: KKR hold an edge over RCB in head-to-head records. Out of the 23 matches that have been played between both sides, Kolkata have won 14 of them while RCB have won on nine occasions. KKR also enjoy a huge 6-3 victory margin over RCB while playing at home.

4. Parthiv Patel's start: RCB will be hoping for yet another good start by veteran wicket-keeper batsman Parthiv Patel. Patel played an important knock in the last game against Rajasthan Royals. He scored a blistering 41-ball 67 at a strike rate of 163.41 which helped RCB post a decent score of 158/4 in their 20 overs.

5. Kuldeep Yadav vs Yuzvendra Chahal: India's frontline spinners will once again be in action on Friday. However, this time instead of working in tandem, they will be competing against each other which will make this contest a treat to watch out for.