IPL 2023, RCB vs RR: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
RCB won their last game against PBKS [Source: AP]
On Sunday, Royal Challengers Bangalore will cross swords against Rajasthan Royals in the 32nd match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. Considering the strengths of both sides, we expect a nail-biting encounter at the iconic M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru.
Team Preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore
Faf du Plessis is in scintillating form [Source: AP]
Led by Faf du Plessis, Royal Challengers Bangalore have been shilly-shally in the IPL 2023 so far. After a narrow eight-run defeat to CSK in a high-scoring thriller, they bounced back remarkably, securing a comprehensive 24-run win over Punjab Kings in their subsequent group-stage game.
While their top order and Mohammed Siraj's scintillating bowling form have been huge positives for RCB, what has bothered them is the vulnerability of their middle order. Despite having plenty of candidates in their squad, Mike Hesson and co have yet to form a stable core that can stabilise the innings in case the top three depart cheaply.
Besides this, death bowling is something they should seriously work on, as it has let them down against quality teams having a formidable finishing unit.
Team Preview: Rajasthan Royals
All eyes will be on Jos Buttler [Source: AP]
Contrary to their counterparts, Rajasthan Royals have had a dream run in the IPL 2023 so far. With four clinical wins in six outings, the Royals sit at the top in the IPL 2023 standings and would like to get back on the winning track, moving on from their ten-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants.
However, despite having a more all-round bowling attack than RCB, the Royals have suffered a similar problem in the batting department, with their middle-order not stepping up to the occasion. While Sanju Samson has been marred by inconsistency, Devdutt Padikkal has yet to find a suitable batting position in the RR lineup.
But RR management's decision to fit the out-of-form Riyan Parag has been the most bizarre of them all, as the batter from Assam has let them down every single time. So, they should realise it and use Dhruv Jurel's batting prowess optimally before it's too late.
Match Details
Date & Time: April 23, 03.30 PM IST
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface in Bengaluru traditionally assists batters, with its pace and bounce being favourable for stroke play. However, as it's a day game, the ball might hold up a bit, which is why the pacers need to bowl into the pitch and vary their pace wisely. There will also be decent help for the spinners. As it's an afternoon game, whoever wins the toss will likely bat 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, Wayne Parnell, Mohammed Siraj
Impact Players: Vyshak Vijay Kumar, Karn Sharma, Anuj Rawat, Akash Deep, David Willey
Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Players: Riyan Parag, Navdeep Saini, Murugan Ashwin, Joe Root, Donovan Ferreira
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Jos Buttler
Batters: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal/Devdutt Padikkal
All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Ravichandran Ashwin
Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal
Captain: Jos Buttler
Vice Captain: Yuzvendra Chahal/Faf du Plessis
Prediction
Considering the strengths of both teams, we reckon Rajasthan Royals will emerge triumphant in this match.
 "Debashis Sarangi")