Preview
Two teams that had similar fortunes for a long period of time in IPL history has had completely different fortunes this time around. Both have strong squads and have put up immensely commendable performances, but the results just haven’t come by for one.
While Kings XI Punjab have lost three close games, RCB come off the back of two morale boosting wins against Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. They have had their backs against the wall before, but this year, with a sound bowling attack and batsmen in form, RCB have looked a potent unit capable of toppling the best.
AB de Villiers has shone through while Chris Morris has been in top form since walking back into the line-up. Virat Kohli has also seemingly found his touch back and all of this makes RCB a threatening side, especially for a team like Punjab.
That said, these teams met earlier in the league and Kings XI won by a whopping 97 runs, the highest margin of victory by any team this season.
Team news and predicted XI
RCB could look to play the same line-up as they have had success against CSK amd KKR before this game. The second of these came at Sharjah, the venue for this game. If they do want to sharpen their bowling, RCB might ponder sitting Siraj out and playing Umesh Yadav.
KXIP, on the other hand, could bring back the Universe Boss. If that happens, they will have to identify who among Rahul and Mayank opens alongside the West Indian. Glenn Maxwell will then be making way and the middle-order could all get a promotion with Mandeep and Sarfaraz, who could return, handling the finishing job alongside Pooran. Mujeeb might also miss out for Murugan Ashwin.
Predicted XI
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villier, Shivam Dube, Washington Sunder, Navdeep Saini, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Siraj/Umesh Yadav.
Kings XI Punjab
KL Rahul (C & WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, James Neesham, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Fantasy tips
- Sharjah has beocme slower and lower so banking on spinners is a good option.
- Virat Kohli, Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul are must picks for this game.
- The RCB bowling attack doesn’t quite suit Gayle and it’s best to not risk him, although if you are playing a grand league he is a left-field choice.
- AB de Villiers wasn’t picking Ravi Bishnoi at all and is a risky pick as KXIP will use the leggie against him.
- Arshdeep Singh was brilliant in the death last time and picking him will allow you to pick high rated players in other categories.
- Yuzvendra Chahal is a good pick and can even be made the skipper given how KXIP are setup.
Fantasy XI
Nicholas Pooran
KL Rahul
Mayank Agarwal
Virat Kohli
Devdutt Padikkal
Chris Morris
Washington Sundar
Yuzvendra Chahal
Navdeep Saini
Arshdeep Singh
Ravi Bishnoi
