The rampant Royal Challenger Bangalore take on the bottom-placed Kings XI Punjab in the 31st match of this IPL in Abu Dhabi. KL Rahul has scored plenty of runs this year and is the current orange cap holder but has not inspired his team. On the other hand, Virat Kohli has led the side very well in addition to performing well with the bat. KXIP won their only game by 97 runs when these two sides last met in this IPL.
RCB have now won their last two matches and will start as favorites despite losing to them in the first leg. Ab De Villiers produced one of the best performances in this IPL against KKR in Sharjah on a surface where everyone else struggled to get going. The major positive for RCB has to be their bowling, which is looking potent for the first time in seasons and, at the same time, is delivering what is needed out of them.
KXIP is once again in an IPL season, where they have to win every game to give themselves a chance to qualify for the playoffs. They have tried all combinations possible, especially with their overseas contingent but has not been fruitful so far. Glenn Maxwell has not justified his pick so far and might be replaced by a returning Chris Gayle, who will provide much-needed solidity to the batting line-up. Finally, KL Rahul’s dependence could be reduced in this game.
Key players from both sides
Batsman – KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch, and Virat Kohli.
KL Rahul has not found it difficult to score runs but has not yet seen the correct pace to proceed with his innings after his brilliant 132 against RCB. The return of the universe boss Gayle might give much-needed relief to KL Rahul as the middle-order gets stronger with another in-form player, Agarwal coming at one drop followed by Pooran. Aaron Finch may be under a little bit of pressure as he is not striking at a brisk pace that is expected out of him, and he might be playing more freely in this game. Virat Kohli has already played a stunning inning and will want to put the disappointing earlier game vs. KXIP behind him.
All Rounder- Chris Morris, and Washington Sundar.
KXIP did not field a single all-rounder last game apart from Glenn Maxwell, who might well be dropped after a string of poor performance, so both of our picks are from RCB. Chris Morris has already picked five wickets from just two games, and he will be upbeat about this game. And also, he is more than a capable big-hitter coming down the order. Washington Sundar has been the standout in the Powerplays and will pressure the struggling KXIP batting line-up.
Bowlers – Yuzuvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mohammad Shami.
Navdeep Saini may have blown hot and cold this season with the ball, but he is the fastest Indian bowler on view in this IPL and will hope to pick wickets this game. Yuzi Chahal has been great for RCB over the years and in this season as well. He has regularly troubled the opposition’s middle-order batsmen and will be testing the KXIP’s as well. If any bowler has performed admirably for the KIngs in this IPL, it has to be youngsters Bishnoi and Akshdeep Singh. Both have bowled economically as well are among wickets. The experienced Shami will also be critical against the opening batsmen of RCB.
Battles to look forward
- Mohammad Shami vs Aaron Finch
- Mujeeb and Ravi Bishnoi vs Virat Kohli and Ab De Villiers
- Chris Morris vs Chris Gayle
Aaron Finch has been found wanting if there is any movement of the surface, and Shami is one such bowler who can trouble batsmen with seam and swing. The spinners of Kings XI Punjab Mujeeb and Bishnoi will play a vital role in the middle-overs, especially against world-class players like Kohli and Ab De Villiers, who take some time to get going while facing leg-spinners. Chris Gayle, who might make an appearance for the first time this season, could be rusty to start, and Chris Morris may be an ideal bowler to bowl at him.
Head to Head between KXIP and RCB.
- Matches Played: 24
- RCB Won: 11
- KXIP won: 13
Significant Approaching Milestones.
3 – Virat Kohli needs 3 more maximums to complete 200 IPL career 6’s and De Villiers needs 3 more catches to 100 IPL catches.
Check here the list of batsmen with more than 200 sixes in IPL.
Match conditions
Venue: Sheik Zayed cricket stadium, Abu Dhabi.
Date & Timings: October 15, 2020, at 7.30 PM IST.
Weather: Clear with the temperature around 32 C.
Pitch: Likely to be a slow batting surface with possible due later on.
