IPL 2017, Match 8, KXIP v RCB: Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted XI

Indore’s Holkar Stadium is the place you want to be on Monday, April 10 where the Royal Challengers Bangalore will clash against the Kings XI Punjab. Both teams will have their confidence riding high as they will come into the game on the back of a win. However, as far as the Royal Challengers Bangalore side is concerned, they will look to bag a more convincing victory as they move further into the tournament.

Although known for their powerhouse batting line-up, the batting woes continue for RCB. Of course, their superstars Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers are missing at the moment. However, that aside, RCB have struggled in the batting department. The likes of Gayle, Watson and even Mandeep Singh have failed to convert their starts and hang in there.

Kedar Jadhav was the only one who stood out for RCB against the Daredevils. His 53-ball 69 gave his side a reasonable total to defend. The bowlers, on the other hand, chipped in with valuable spells. The good news for all RCB fans comes in the form of AB de Villiers, who has said that he’ll hopefully be up for selection. With the Proteas legend coming into the RCB XI, the opposition will indeed have to rethink their strategies against Mr. 360.

Here’s a look at CricTracker’s predicted XI for the Royal Challengers Bangalore side for their match against KXIP.

Chris Gayle

Unless this man is injured, there’s really no need to ponder over his selection in a given XI. His mere presence in the side can spread fear across any opposition. Chris Gayle’s ability to hit the ball clean is arguably second to none. His 175 off 66 in the IPL against Pune Warriors India proved he can wreak havoc against any bowling line-up. When he hits the ball, it stays hit. If this man gets going, there’s not much a bowler can do to send him back to the dressing room.

Mandeep Singh

Mandeep is a powerful hitter of the cricket ball. He’s shown his ability to score runs in the domestic format in several seasons. In the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy, the youngster amassed 616 runs for his side Punjab and was the second highest run-scorer for his team. Mandeep Singh is also a sharp fielder, be it inside the circle or in the outfield. He has the capacity to support Gayle on the other end and provide a solid start for RCB.

AB de Villiers (C)

Fans could finally breathe a sigh of relief, and also cheer loudly if they see this man walking out to bat. Bangalore have obviously lacked their star-studded batsmen, and de Villiers’ return will surely be a massive boost for the team. The superman from South Africa can take on any bowler and hit him in any part of the park he fancies. AB de Villiers is a force to reckon with, his 360-degree style of batting making him one of the hardest batsmen to bowl to. RCB will be more than happy to see him take the field tomorrow, as will be spectators at the Holkar Stadium.

Shane Watson

Stand-in skipper for the Royal Challengers Bangalore Shane Watson hasn’t quite had the start to the IPL he’d prefer. He’s entered the 20s in his last two matches but would be disappointed that he hasn’t been able to carry on. Watson, however, had a good outing with the ball against the Daredevils, with figures of 1 for 21 in 4 overs. Watson brings in loads of experience in both departments, and it’s only a matter of time before he fires with the bat.

Kedhar Jadhav

The little man has indeed been one of the finds of Indian cricket lately. He’s shot to fame following a fantastic knock in an ODI against England. Jadhav has been there for India when they’ve needed him and will look to do the same for RCB as well. A better-than-average keeper, Kedhar Jadhav can also offer his services behind the stumps in the absence of KL Rahul. If given the ball, he also has the knack picking up wickets with his off-breaks.

Stuart Binny

Inconsistency has been the only worry for Stuart Binny, but his talent should not be underestimated. A more than decent bowler, Binny can chip in with those few overs as the extra bowler. In Binny, RCB also have a powerful striker of the cricket ball who can provide a cameo lower down the order. Although a budding player, Stuart Binny has represented India at the international stage and will bring in his experience with both bat and ball.

Vishnu Vinod (WK)

This youngster from Kerala has had a good run with the bat in his domestic season. His consistency with the bat has earned him a place in the RCB squad this season. Vishnu Vinod has a T20 strike rate in excess of 140, which will definitely help in adding valuable runs to the RCB total. He can indeed bat as he has a highest T20 score of 64 with an average of 31.54.

Pawan Negi 

Pawan Negi made headlines as he was bought for big money by the Delhi Daredevils in 2016. Negi can use the long handle to good effect. More importantly, his four overs of left-arm spin are valuable. Negi bowled the final over of the previous game against DD against a set Rishabh Pant. Interestingly,  it was his very first over in the match and Negi picked up 2 crucial wickets for his side and sealed the game for RCB.

Iqbal Abdulla

Another left-arm spinner, Iqbal Abdulla can provide an economic spell for his side. He did so on several occasions during his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders. Abdulla is a former Emerging Player of the Year awardee in the IPL. In the 2011 edition of the IPL, he picked up 16 wickets during the season. RCB will hope he delivers another match-winning performance with the ball against KXIP.

Tymal Mills

He wasn’t a name people had heard of much until he played 3 T20Is against India. England’s Tymal Mills is one of those few players who is actually a T20 specialist. Mills has a variety of balls on offer when it comes to the shortest format of the game. In general, he can bowl above 140kmph, but he also has some tremendous variations up his sleeve. His back-of-the-hand slower delivery is extremely deceptive as the arm speed doesn’t change one bit. It’s something Mills has mastered over the years, which makes him a lethal bowler at the death.

Yuzvendra Chahal

The IPL has been a platform for domestic talent to showcase their skills on an international-like stage, and this man has been a find, thanks to the league. Yuzvendra Chahal bagged as many as 23 wickets in the 2015 edition of the IPL and followed it up with 21 in 2016. Chahal’s leg-spinners are accurate, and his wrong ‘un is hard to pick. He even announced picked up 6 wickets in the deciding T20I against England, this year.

If AB de Villiers does play, the Royal Challengers Bangalore will bank on him to add much-needed firepower to the side. This XI seems well balanced in both departments, and RCB will look to get back to winning ways. A win should ease the pressure on Virat Kohli, who’s itching to get back into the field and lead his side.