IPL 2023, RCB vs KKR | Preview, Pitch Report, Predicted XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
KKR won the last encounter between two teams [iplt20.com]
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is all set to encounter Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) ahead of the 36th match of the on-going Indian Premier League (IPL), at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 26 April at 7:30 pm.
Under Virat Kohli's leadership, the team has won to back-to-back two games. One, against Punjab Kings in Mohali and another one against the then table toppers, Rajasthan Royals. Apart from the roaring top-order there were certain areas where batting took a backseat in the matches however, both the games saw exceptional bowling and fielding from the team. RCB's fielding skills and the ability to back one another in crucial and testing moments, reminds one of the phrase "There is no I in team".
On the other hand, the sun has not shone too bright for the Nitish Rana-led Knight Riders. After, the 49-run defeat by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ,KKR have lost 4 matches consecutively and currently sit at no. 8 on the points table. Rinku Singh's 5 sixes 6 balls were the talk of the town for too long, however the side has been quieter than usual ever since. Nitish Rana has time and again failed to establish himself as a reliant batter with only 181 runs in 7 innings.
Even though, KKR secured an 81-run win against RCB in match 9 of this season, they have not been performing well since then. They (KKR) will be eager to revive their struggling campaign, while Royal Challengers Bangalore will aim to overcome their reliance on their top three batsmen.
Match Details
Date & Time: April 26, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: Chinnaswamy Stadium is well-known for its small boundaries favouring batters and leading to high-scoring games. However, during the middle overs of the match, leg spinners can play a crucial role. While pacers may receive some initial help from the pitch, their economy rate often rises as the game progresses.
Teams batting second have an advantage as it is easier to chase targets here. Since ,its a night match the dew may affect the ball, making it a strategic move to bowl first.
Probable Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudessai, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood/David Willey, Mohammed Siraj
Kolkata Knight Riders: Jason Roy, Litton Das (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana(c), Mandeep Singh, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Kulwant Khejroliya, Umesh Yadav, and Varun Chakaravarthy.
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Litton Das
Batters: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Jason Roy
All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Andre Russell
Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel, Varun Chakravarthy
Captain: Faf du Plessis
Vice Captain: Jason Roy
Prediction
In the last 8 meetings, RCB has successfully sealed their victory over KKR 5 times. Moreover looking at it statistically, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, the two big bulls of KKR haven’t clicked so far. KKR have also lost 3 of the 4 away matches they have played this season.
On the other hand, RCB's biggest strain at the moment is their batting line-up however, the team as a whole looks genuinely strong. It would be a tough nut for the Knight Riders to crack as we reckon RCB would emerge victorious.
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