IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Preview and Likely 11s

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are two teams who have shown promise over the years but have not managed to win the title even once. Both the sides have played all the editions of IPL and would be desperate to win today’s clash. While RCB would want to build momentum on their win against Sunrisers Hyderabad, KXIP are still searching for their first win of the season.

The teams have an even head to head record of 12 wins each, but RCB came out on top in the last four games against the Punjab-based franchise.

Punjab had failed to get over the line in the last game and have only themselves to blame for it. With just one needed off the last two balls and a set batsman at the crease, there is nothing that can justify the loss.

The main points of contention for the skipper would be the team selection and death bowling. After a brilliant display of bowling, the KXIP were taken to the cleaners at death, giving away as many as 57 in the last three overs.

KL Rahul, after the last match, would be tempted to play Mujeeb Ur Rehman, dropping Chris Jordan. Nicolas Pooran, who managed two ducks (one in the Super Over) in the previous game, could also make way for Chris Gayle. But whether or not the franchisee is comfortable with demoting Mayank Agarwal after the last game, would play a major role in this decision.

RCB also have a lot to worry about. Both their strike bowlers in Umesh Yadav and Dale Steyn proved to be expensive at the top. The only wicket they could manage in the powerplay was a lucky run-out caused by a deflection off Umesh Yadav’s hand in his bowling follow through. It was Yuzvendra Chahal and Navdeep Saini who pulled the game for them.

Considering how the RCB bowlers performed in the powerplay, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kohli going to Washington Sunder during the phase. An all-rounder by trade, his role in the RCB set up remains unclear.

He bowled a solitary over in the first game and did not come out to bat.

With Devdutt Padikkal’s good knock at the top and Chris Morris unlikely to recover in time, RCB are unlikely to tinker with their winning combination from the first game.

Probable XIs:

KXIP: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran/Chris Gayle, Sarfaraz Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sheldon Cottrell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami.

RCB: Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Josh Philippe (wk), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Dale Steyn, Yuzvendra Chahal.