IPL 2017: Royal Challengers v Gujarat Lions, Game 31– Match Result Predictions

It will be yet another chance for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to get their IPL 10 campaign back on track when they meet the bottom placed Gujarat Lions tomorrow at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It is expected to be an even contest given the fact both teams have struggled in the season so far. Both teams have won 2 matches each but RCB have a point more after their yesterday’s match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad was washed out due to rain.

In their last completed match, RCB was bowled out for the lowest ever IPL score while chasing a below par target of 132. They were unable to come to terms with the KKR fast bowlers and were rolled over for just 49 runs. It was just a horrendous performance by the visitors but an extraordinary comeback like the previous year can’t be ruled out yet.

Their batting department hasn’t clicked as a unit which has resulted in 5 losses in the tournament so far. Gayle announced his arrival with a 77 of 38 balls against the Gujarat Lions but couldn’t carry on his form in the next game. Captain Kohli got out for a golden duck the last day against KKR but given his consistency, it will be a matter of time before he gets his touch back. It won’t be a surprise if we witness yet another century from Kohli’s bat.

Gujarat Lions, on the other hand, has been pretty ordinary losing 6 out of the 8 games. After defeating Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens courtesy a special innings from Suresh Raina they returned to their losing ways in the previous match against the Kings XI Punjab. Their bowling department has got some stick on occasions but the surprise package has been Andrew Tye.

The right arm medium pacer bagged a sensational hat-trick in his debut match and finished with exceptional match figures of 5/17 in 4 overs. The form of Suresh Raina has been heartening for the GL fans given their lacklustre form in the tournament so far. They have as many as 4 world class foreign openers in their ranks but given the situation, Aaron Finch and Brendon McCullum might come out to start off proceedings and Dwayne Smith might come in the lower middle order. So with a day to go for the 31^st match to commence let us look at the match predictions for tomorrow.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:                   

Scenario 1: RCB will win the toss

Toss Prediction: RCB choose to bowl

First innings prediction: 145-150

2nd innings Prediction: RCB win by 4 wickets (with 2 deliveries to spare)

Scenario 2: GL will win the toss

Toss Prediction: GL choose to bowl

First innings Prediction: 155-160

2nd innings Prediction: RCB will win by 7 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches –4, RCB Won – 3, GL Won – 1

In the 4 matches played between the two sides, Bangalore has won on 3 occasions. The Chinnaswamy wicket hasn’t been the same old high scoring surface so I feel run making might be pretty difficult so the projected score is on the lower side. Both sides are having some tough times in the competition so far so it will be an evenly match contest.

Team Combinations

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Despite their horrendous performance in the previous encounter, RCB might be tempted to go with the same XI from the previous match. Adam Milne who looked impressive in the limited opportunities he got might make a return but given their bowling performance in the last match, it will be difficult for the RCB to leave anyone out.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli(c), Mandeep Singh, AB de Villiers, Kedar Jadhav(w), Stuart Binny, Pawan Negi, Samuel Badree, Tymal Mills, Sreenath Aravind, Yuzvendra Chahal

Gujarat Lions

They have roped in the services of Irfan Pathan and Ankit Soni who might be directly drafted into the XI at the expense of Dwayne Bravo and Shivil Kaushik. Bravo had to leave for the Caribbeans as he failed to recover from the hamstring injury. The rest of the XI remains the same.

Predicted XI: Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch, Suresh Raina(c), Dinesh Karthik(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Smith, Irfan Pathan, Andrew Tye, Ankit Soni, Basil Thampi, Nathu Singh

RCB have a slight edge over Gujarat Lions but with both teams struggling to find form in the tournament it might be pretty close encounter.

Do let us know your predictions below.