Overview
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Jekyll-and-Hyde show in IPL 2023 continued, as they registered a convincing win over Punjab Kings in their last game. Perhaps, that would serve as the launchpad for RCB to win a slew of matches and become serious contenders. Or is that just another dream after 15 seasons of pain?
Just run through the records for Bangalore this season, and a bigger picture emerges – The trio of Virat Kohli, Faf Du Plessis and Mohammed Siraj continue to be the fulcrums of the side. Glenn Maxwell is the side’s third highest run-getter with 176 runs. However, their next highest run-scorer – Dinesh Karthik – only has 45 runs from six innings. Among the bowlers, Siraj has led the attack admirably both with the new and old ball. But he perhaps needs a bit more support from the rest. In that context, the backroom staff would be pleased with Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel and Wayne Parnell, who chipped in with wickets in the last game.
Rajasthan Royals, their opponent, are sitting pretty at the top of the points table, though they have to find an erase button to shrug off the loss to Lucknow Super Giants at home. Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer and Sanju Samson have all performed their respective roles with distinction. Having said that, they still seem to be missing a piece or two of the jigsaw puzzle. One of them is Riyan Parag – 54 runs at a strike rate of just over 112 this season. Parag’s modest form could also mean Dhruv Jurel getting a promotion in the batting order. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma have done admirably with ball in hand. Chahal has a lot of experience of playing at the Chinnaswamy and that could help RR.
Venue and Time
Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. 3.30 PM
Expected conditions
Another pitch where batters from both sides can play shots through the line and on the up. However, it isn’t a night game. So, without the dew factor, the ball might not skid on as much as it did in the game versus Chennai Super Kings. There is little or no rain forecast for tomorrow’s game.
Head-to-head
Bangalore hold a slight edge over Rajasthan – 13 wins to 12 losses.
Possible XIs and Impact Player
Faf du Plessis, who played only as an Impact Sub against Punjab due to a rib problem, could captain the side against Rajasthan. Josh Hazlewood has started to bowl in the nets but as a precautionary measure he might miss out on tomorrow’s game. Vijaykumar Vyshak and Anuj Rawat offer a couple of impact-sub options. On the other hand, Rajasthan might look at Riyan Parag or Murugan Ashwin as the impact player.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, M Lomror, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, Suyash Prabhudessai, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Wayne Parnell, Mohammed Siraj.
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (C, WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, R Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal.