IPL 2024, Match 58: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Preview

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will be playing at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala for the second time in the IPL 2024 on Thursday, May 09, as they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The last time these two sides faced each other in Bengaluru, RCB registered a four-wicket victory.

Punjab is currently in the middle of a poor run after losing seven out of their 11 matches. Sam Curran and Co. registered two back-to-back wins against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, before losing their previous game to Chennai in the same venue. PBKS and CSK locked horns for the second time this season, earlier this week. The visitors managed to play a controlled inning against the dangerous bowling line-up of PBKS. With decent batting performances from Ruturaj Gaikwad (32) and Daryl Mitchell (30) at the top and a 26 ball-43 from Ravindra Jadeja, the defending champions ended their innings at 167/9. Harshal Patel and Rahul Chahar shared six wickets between them.

Coming to the chase, Punjab batters couldn't construct a much-required partnership in the middle, to take their side over the line. Prabhsimran Singh (30) and Shashank Singh (27) were the only notable performers with the bat. All thanks to Jadeja's all-round effort, Chennai managed to register their sixth win of the season. 

Meanwhile, RCB won only one out of their first eight games but have managed to win three games on the bounce against Sunrisers Hyderabad and twice against Gujarat Titans. The Faf du Plessis and Co. currently sit at the seventh position in the points table with just eight points in their kitty from 11 games. With three of their league games left in this season, the Bengaluru-based franchise will have to win all their remaining matches and hope that other results also go their way as they look to sneak into the playoffs.

Star batter Virat Kohli is having yet another prolific season, having scored 542 runs from 11 matches at an average of 67.75 and a strike rate of 148.08. He has already hit four half-centuries and a century. The side has also found their other batters contributing with runs. Skipper Faf, from the past few matches, has been seen back at his regular best. English batter Will Jacks, who smashed a century against Gujarat Titans has also shown promise. Glenn Maxwell's form has been a talking point in this season.

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Mohammed Siraj was expected to be the spearhead of the RCB bowling department but he has been far from his best. In ten matches, he has taken just eight wickets. Yash Dayal, who was picked up in the IPL 2024 auction, has fared slightly better, having taken ten wickets in ten games. Both of them will have an important role to play on Thursday.

PBKS are currently placed at No. 8 on the points table, with four wins in 11 games. Meanwhile, RCB is positioned at No. 7, having registered four wins and seven losses so far in IPL 2024.

HPCA Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is known for its pace and bounce, making it a preferred venue for fast bowlers. Ahead of the IPL 2024 season, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium installed a new hybrid pitch, the first of its kind in India. The team that wins the toss at this venue will likely choose to bowl first, taking advantage of the conducive surface for their bowlers.

Check Here: PBKS vs RCB Live Score, Match 58

PBKS vs RCB Probable Playing XI

Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings' regular captain Shikhar Dhawan's availability remains uncertain due to an injury, which means Sam Curran might have to lead the team once again. PBKS had won two consecutive matches before losing their previous game against Chennai Super Kings. The batting department has been a major area of concern for the side this season, as apart from Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, none of the other batters have been consistent throughout the tournament. At this crucial stage of the season, they are unlikely to make changes to their line-up unless faced with unexpected injury concerns.

Predicted XI: Jonny Bairstow, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Curran (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar

Impact Player: Prabhsimran Singh

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB brought back the struggling Glenn Maxwell into their playing XI, but his performance has been disappointing. Despite being in the seventh position on the points table, the Bengaluru franchise is still mathematically in contention for a playoff spot. The team is currently on a three-match winning streak and will be aiming to extend it to four victories. Unless faced with a last-minute injury, the 2016 finalists are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI.

Predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Player: Swapnil Singh

Check Here: PBKS vs RCB MPL Opinio Prediction: Who will win today's match?

PBKS vs RCB Head-to-Head Record

IPL 2024: PBKS vs RCB, Match 58 - Broadcasting details