IPL 2018: Match 29, RCB vs KKR, Preview- Shattered Knights aim to recollect against vulnerable hosts

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are in a more desperate situation than the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Knights aren’t in a comfortable position either as the skids would come under them provided they slump in their upcoming game against the Challengers at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

RCB, on the other hand, desperately need a victory to keep themselves in contention for a berth in the top four. Bowling has been a concern for both teams, which has been taken to the cleaners in last games. They will be put under a stern test as the match is expected to be another run-fest. The batters of Virat Kohli’s men have been in decent enough form.

KKR, on the contrary, have stuttered at stages when put under the pump. Both teams succumbed to defeats in their erstwhile match. However, the Challengers would be playing in front of the home crowd, which is a positive for them. From the tournament’s point of view, a win for RCB would further intensify the competition in the league table.

Toss: KKR won the toss and elected to field first

Royal Challengers Bangalore (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Virat Kohli(c), Manan Vohra, Corey Anderson, Mandeep Singh, Colin de Grandhomme, Murugan Ashwin, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w/c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Shivam Mavi, Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Johnson, Kuldeep Yadav

Team Combination

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB have their top three batsmen in Quinton de Kock, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, which makes them a top-heavy lineup. The trio has been on top of their game and has scored runs consistently. Mandeep Singh hasn’t disappointed either. Colin de Grandhomme’s abilities with the willow also need to come to the fore for the Challengers to propel their score, which they couldn’t in their last game.

Among the bowlers, Umesh Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal churned out excellent spells against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). To their dismay, the rest of them were bashed into oblivion and they definitely can’t afford any goof-up. Meanwhile, Tim Southee might replace Corey Anderson in the lineup which would strengthen their bowling lineup.

Kolkata Knight Riders

The Knights might keep their lineup unchanged as they don’t have a whole lot of players to choose from. Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn are expected to open the batting again followed by Robin Uthappa. Nitish Rana and Dinesh Karthik failed to hit their straps against the Delhi Daredevils and would be hoping to make amends. Shubman Gill and Andre Russell add the much-needed depth to their batting lineup.

The bowlers have leaked runs n the previous game and need to get into at the earliest. Mitchell Johnson, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell will have a fair amount responsibility to restrict their opponents. Eyes will also be on Shivam Mavi who had a forgettable outing in the last match at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

Players to watch out for  

Umesh Yadav- Royal Challengers Bangalore

Umesh Yadav has been a gun bowler for the Challengers and has bowled as per expectations. On a pitch like the M.Chinnaswamy, he has been able to rattle the opposition with his pace and venom. The Knights batsmen haven’t been in the greatest of shapes and the Vidarbha pacer has the opportunity to carry on his rich vein of form against them.

Andre Russell- Kolkata Knight Riders

Andre Russell has arguably been the most effective of the Knights, performing with both bat and ball. In seven games, he already has played three stupendous knocks against Chennai and Delhi, which will keep him in a good stead ahead of the game. Meanwhile, at a venue like the Chinnaswamy where the ball travels a fair distance, Russell’s muscular power would be one to watch out for.

Head to Head

Played- 21,  RCB- 9, KKR- 12, NR/Tie- 0

Stat Attack

Virat Kohli scored 422 runs against KKR at an average of 26.37 in the IPL. It is the 2nd lowest batting average for any player against KKR. (Min: 350 runs).

Piyush Chawla bagged 19 wickets against RCB in the IPL. Ashish Nehra (23) and Harbhajan Singh (18) are the other players with as many wickets against RCB.

Broadcast Details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 20:00 IST, 14:30 GMT

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