IPL 2018: Match 29, RCB vs KKR- Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted XI

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had their fair share of troubles in their previous few games. With a couple of wins in as many as six matches, Virat Kohli’s men have been erratic, both in the batting and bowling department. The franchise has an abundance of big names, but somehow, they haven’t been able to dish out collective performances.

Their bowling has been a concern in the previous seasons and it hasn’t changed this time around as well. Their batsmen have always tried to compensate for the poor performance by their bowlers but in vain. Bangalore will next play the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who have a strong lineup on paper. As we move ahead to the game, we take you through the probable eleven of RCB.

Openers (Quinton de Kock, Virat Kohli)

Virat Kohli and Quinton de Kock are likely to open the batting for the Challengers. De Kock has cemented his place at the top of the orders with some useful knocks under his belt. Most importantly, he has put a put a price tag on his wicket and has hardly thrown it away to a rash stroke. His opening partners have been an area of concern for RCB.

Brendon McCullum started opening, followed by Manan Vohra and Kohli. However, the Indian skipper has seemed to be the most appropriate choice. He started the tournament with a couple of lacklustre knocks but has gradually got into his rhythm as the tournament has progressed. The franchise would look up to the duo for another good start.

Middle-order (AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh)

The middle order has AB de Villiers and Mandeep Singh which have been in outstanding form in the event. AB de Villiers has looked in stupendous touch and has unleashed his wide range of strokes. He has touted to be a vital cog in the lineup and he hasn’t disappointed by any stretch of the imagination. Mandeep Singh has played a few useful hands lower down the order as well.

All-rounder (Colin de Grandhomme, Pawan Negi, Washington Sundar)

RCB have quite a few all-rounders in their armour which gives them enough options. However, they haven’t quite been able to use them to good effect. Colin de Grandhomme has batted only once and is yet to get a chance to show his prowess as a medium pacer.

However, he has the ability to give the hosts the cutting edge, required for them to be able to dictate terms on the visitors. Washington Sundar has been a tad inconsistent but has been effective enough with his off-breaks. The Tamil Nadu- cricketer is also not a mug with the bat.

Bowlers (Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal)

The bowling has been a major conundrum for them and hasn’t been able to deliver. In their last game, MS Dhoni and Co picked the bones out of them, which didn’t help RCB’s cause. Yuzvendra Chahal and Umesh Yadav have been impressive as they have managed to tie the batsmen down.

Tom Southee might replace Corey Anderson, his New Zealand teammate, who has been horrendous in the games he has played. Being a specialist fast bowler, Southee will be a perfect foil for Umesh and the duo can be a deadly prospect for the oppositions to deal with. Mohammad Siraj hasn’t been disappointing, but he hasn’t made much of an impact either.

For all the latest cricket news and other details follow CricTracker.