What The Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Lions will cross swords for the first time ever when they come up against each other in Match 38 of VIVO IPL 2016. The match provides both teams the chance to firm up their position at the top of the standings.KKR are currently sitting on the perch, with six wins from nine matches. The Lions have just as many wins as their opponent, although they’ve played one match more. Despite their pole position and wins in their last two matches, KKR captain Gautam Gambhir said his team would guard against complacency. In a tournament like this, teams can hit a slippery patch and lose a few matches in a row just as it is possible to pile on a few wins on the bounce. Including this match, KKR play four of their remaining five matches at home and that presents the team the chance to make the position at the top of the table their own. Gujarat Lions meanwhile have hit a slippery pitch and will be keen to apply the brakes immediately. After winning six of their first seven matches, they were ahead of rest of the pack. But three successive defeats since has meant they’ve not made any additions to their tally since 29 April, as a result of which the rest of the pack has caught up with them. When 8 May 2016, 2000 Hrs IST Where

Eden Gardens, Kolkata Weather

Temperature: Max 30°c, Min 29°c Humidity: Max 80% Wind: 13kmph The Protagonists Several individuals have made match-winning contributions for KKR at various junctures; Manish Pandey, Suryakumar Yadav, Yusuf Pathan and Andre Russell have all contributed to KKR on occasions. However, the two men who have influenced KKR’s success like none other are their openers - Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa. Both batsmen have understood their role to the ‘T’, bat well in the company of each other, and generally give the team with a solid base from which the rest of the line-up can launch. On the bowling front, Andre Russell has been sensational; the Jamaican – the team’s top wicket-taker - has caused damage with the new ball and returned to land some telling blows at the end. When the Gujarat Lions did well, it was because of their batsmen. If the team has not done so well in the last few matches, it is because of their batsmen too. In their last three matches – which they have lost, their formidable top order comprising Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch and Suresh Raina hasn’t quite fired. The Lions will be aware that other teams have caught up with them, and it is time now for them to start gaining some momentum as the tournament heads towards a crunch last few weeks. Trivia

KKR’s record in IPL matches at Eden Gardens: Won – 31, Lost – 16, Win% - 65.96%. Gujarat Lions’ record when they’ve batted first: Won – 1, Lost – 3. In contrast, in run-chases, they’ve won 6 and lost 1. What Next Both teams will be seen in action next on May 14. Next up for Kolkata Knight Riders is their home fixture against Rising Pune Supergiants, while for the Lions, a journey to Bengaluru is on the cards for their away fixture against Royal Challengers Bangalore.