IPL 10, Match 17, RCB v RPS, Preview: Both teams would look to be back on track

The Australian star, Steve Smith again has a responsibility on his shoulders to lead his team from the front.

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(Photo Source: IANS)

After four matches each, both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rising Pune Supergiant have won a game each and have occupied slots in the bottom half of the table. Both teams would look to be back on the winning track when two evenly matched teams play each other on Sunday (16 April).

Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first game at home against Delhi Daredevils in a cracker of a game where the match went all the way down to the wire and in the end, it was Pawan Negi, who had too much firepower and managed to upstage Delhi. Though RCB has lost three out of their four games so far, yet they seem to have brought their confidence back. One of the biggest talking points in the match against Mumbai Indians was, Samuel Badree who picked four wickets for just nine runs which even included a maiden over. On the other hand, the comeback of Virat Kohli would definitely add the cherry to the cake.

Rising Pune Supergiant started off the season with a convincing win against Mumbai Indians but since then, RPS are down on confidence with three losses in a row, and it would be the most pertinent thing for them to be back and prove their stature. RPS would be a bit worried about the form of some big guns in their side. If they wish to be back on track, it’s important that their middle order fires. The good form of Steve Smith, the skipper, augurs well for the team and a good start at the top has been pivotal in their first win.

Toss: Royal Challengers Bangalore won the toss and opted to field

Playing XI:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Shane Watson, AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli (c), Stuart Binny, Samuel Badree, Sreenath Aravind, Kedar Jadhav (wk), Mandeep Singh, Adam Milne, Yuzvendra Chahal, Pawan Negi

Rising Pune Supergiant: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith(c), Ben Stokes, Manoj Tiwary, MS Dhoni(w), Daniel Christian, Rahul Chahar, Imran Tahir, Shardul Thakur, Jaydev Unadkat

Focus will be on

Virat Kohli

RCB skipper has emerged as one leading batsman of the world. He had a dream IPL last year with 973 runs in 16 matches at an average of 81.03 and has been a consistent performer for Royal Challengers Bangalore and played some match-winning knocks which eventually helped RCB to play the finals last year. He came back on the field after almost a month and smashed 67 runs off 47 balls which helped RCB to put a fight against Mumbai Indians.

Steve Smith

The Australian star, Steve Smith again has a responsibility on his shoulders to lead his team from the front as he has always been a crucial player for their side from the time he has joined this franchise, he sets the tone for the coming batsman by building the foundation at the top. A large percentage of Pune’s hope sticks to his performance. He missed out the third game for their side due to a bad stomach but came back and played a blistering knock of 43 runs from just 28 deliveries which was laced with a six and six fours. He will surely be the player to watch out for.

Imran Tahir

The best bowler in the tournament, so far, along with Rashid Khan is not only bowling at a good economy but is also providing breakthroughs at the crucial stages of the innings. Tahir found no buyers in the auction and after coming as a replacement for Mitchell Marsh, has played a vital role for his side. Though he went for few runs in the last game, but he will surely have a responsibility to lead the bowling unit from the front.

AB de Villiers

Mr 360 degree is a brutal batsman and an agile fielder that can put any opponent team under pressure. He managed to score 687 runs in 16 matches at an average of 52.84. Like Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers too made a great comeback scoring 89 runs against Kings XI Punjab which helped RCB to put up a modest total.

MS Dhoni

The former skipper of RPS has had a torrid time so far in the league and has failed to make an impact like he usually does. He has scored just 33 runs in 4 innings and hasn’t looked like the Dhoni we know. He has struggled to construct his innings and got out early, mostly to spinners.

Team Combination- Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Royal Challengers Bangalore are unlikely to make any changes to their squad as Virat Kohli mentioned in the media conference ahead of the match against Mumbai Indians that, “Gayle has been a priority for us. In Bangalore, we would go with the strongest XI and Gayle is a strong contender”.

If Gayle makes the XI, the RCB with Virat and AB de Villiers also back, will be a formidable batting line-up. With this, batting looks strong but the middle order will definitely get tested. With few opportunities given, it’s time for the middle order to show their exemplary hitting skills. The bowling line up might see some replacement. Tymal Mills and Yuzvendra Chahal will have a work to do if RCB wish to get back on track.

Team Combination- Rising Pune Supergiant

There is no doubt that Ajinkya Rahane would open the innings, the form he has been in recent past provides stability top of the order. On the other hand, RPS is still finding the best possible player who can provide a good start at the top with Ajinkya Rahane. The stabilizer, Steve Smith who has his own repertoire, is expected to deliver for his team again.

The middle order looks strong on paper with the likes of MS Dhoni, Ben Stokes and Manoj Tiwari who have the ability to clear the fence. Deepak Chahar, who had a decent outing with the ball, picking a wicket of the first ball he bowled might get a second match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Head to Head

Overall: Matches- 2, RCB Won- 2, RPS Won- 0

In Bengaluru: Matches-1, RCB Won- 1 

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