Virat Kohli To Open, Patidar In Middle, No Padikkal? RCB's Probable Playing XI Vs KKR

RCB will take on KKR in their first match [Source: IPLT20.com]

We are just one sleep away from the biggest cricketing extravaganza, with the eighteenth Indian Premier League season all set to commence on March 22. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will cross swords against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the tournament opener at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

Both RCB and KKR had a memorable IPL season last year. While KKR clinched their third IPL title, RCB qualified for the eliminator of the competition. So, as the Red Brigade gear up for the fascinating clash, let's analyse and find out their probable playing XI for this match. 

Kohli, Salt To Open; Padikkal To Come As Impact Player?

Virat Kohli has been a magnificent performer as an opener in the IPL. After releasing Faf du Plessis, RCB purchased explosive English batter Phil Salt for INR 11.50 Crores. So, in all likelihood, Salt will open the batting with Kohli in this match. 

(Stats of Kohli and Salt as openers in IPL)

Meanwhile, although RCB have the option of slotting Rajat Patidar at 3 and form an extremely explosive batting lineup, they might consider keeping Devdutt Padikkal among their twelve players following his exploits in the practice games. 

However, his participation could depend on match situation. If RCB get a great start, Patidar might come at 3, with the power-hitters following him. On the contrary, if RCB lose an early wicket, Padikkal could enter the middle as an impact substitute. 

In 64 IPL innings, Padikkal has scored 1559 runs at an average of 25.15 and a strike rate of 123.14. 

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Why Could Rajat Patidar Be The Backbone Of RCB's Batting?

As evidenced by the above stats, Rajat Patidar adds flexibility to the table, having performed admirably at number three and four. He could be RCB's biggest asset against the KKR spinners, as he has scored 424 IPL runs at an average of 53 and a strike rate of 177.4 against all kinds of spin bowling. 

A Strategic Promotion For Tim David?

(RCB middle order batters vs Narine and Chakravarthy)

While one may argue that Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma or even Krunal Pandya deserve to be bat in the upper middle order, RCB could throw a surprise by using Tim David slightly up the order if Narine and Chakravarthy run riot. 

Although David doesn't have an extraordinary strike rate, he has been the most successful batter among RCB's middle-order options, as shown in the above table. Having said that, if Patidar holds on to an end, RCB will likely preserve David for the slog overs, courtesy of his phenomenal numbers against pace. 

(RCB finishers vs pacers in slog overs in IPL)

Additionally, Liam Livingstone could also be a huge threat to KKR in death overs, as he has recorded stunning numbers against pace in the IPL. 

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma

(RCB bowlers' stats in IPL)

While Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood will likely spearhead RCB's bowling attack, Yash Dayal, who was one of their retentions, could assist the duo. Meanwhile, Suyash Sharma could be preferred as the only leg spinner, as he has the experience of playing at Eden Gardens during his KKR stint. 

RCB's Probable Playing XI vs KKR

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma

Impact: Devdutt Padikkal/Rasikh Dar

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