IPL 2018: Match 51, RCB vs SRH- Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted XI

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have made a stupendous comeback having dished out two comprehensive victories against the Delhi Daredevils (DD) and the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Moreover, the wins managed to boost their Net Run Rate and that has kept them in contention for a berth in the playoffs of the 2018 edition of the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL).

They have made quite frequent changes in the lineup in the event thus far. They found themselves in utter shambles after most of their tactics faltered. Their team combination has eventually started to work, much to the relief of the franchise. In our article, we take you through the lineup RCB is most likely to field in their must-win encounter against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bangalore.

Openers (Moeen Ali, Parthiv Patel (wk))

Moeen Ali and Parthiv Patel are likely to open the batting for RCB. Moeen hasn’t got a knock of substance under his belt, however, he hasn’t got many opportunities to showcase his prowess as a batsman. Even in the last match, he was demoted from the opener’s slot. The experienced campaigner will be keen to take the home team to a brisk start.

Parthiv Patel was drafted in place in of Quinton de Kock and he hasn’t disappointed by any means. The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 119 runs in four matches and only faltered against the Delhi Daredevils (DD). He doesn’t prefer to shy away from playing his strokes and his unflinching approach may just be the tonic for Virat Kohli’s men to get the visitors on the mat.

Middle-order (Virat Kohli (capt), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan)

The middle order will pin hopes on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to guide them to a respectable score. Kohli promoted himself in the order versus Punjab and flayed his willow to garner quick runs for the franchise. He is currently their leading run-scorer and the RCB skipper has to come to the party against the might of Kane Williamson’s men.

AB de Villiers has played a pivotal factor in many of the Challengers’ victories. He was dismissed by Rashid Khan’s wrong’un last time around and would want to make amends. Mandeep Singh has been impressive and his role lower down the order can’t be undermined. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan will be hoping to resurrect his horrendous campaign thus far with the willow.

All-rounders (Colin de Grandhomme, Tim Southee)

Colin de Grandhomme hasn’t had much to do with the willow. Nevertheless, his wily medium pace has been hard to decipher for the batters. The all-rounder needs to bring forth his prowess and help RCB continue their impressive run of form.

Tim Southee is one of the reasons why the franchise has managed to stage a comeback. He has picked up wickets in the powerplay and conceded runs at a frugal rate. His power-hitting abilities can’t be undermined either. RCB will wish for their premier pacer to make inroads into the SRH batting.

Bowlers (Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal)

The bowlers were stupendous in the last match. Umesh Yadav churned out three crucial wickets of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul against Punjab. He is their leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets and his form will be of utmost importance if Virat’s men are to turn over the Orange Army. Yuzvendra Chahal has regained his old touch in the last couple of encounters against DD and KXIP respectively.

The track at the Chinnaswamy has assisted the spinners and the onus will be on the leg-break bowler to keep the batsmen in check. Mohammed Siraj has also been amongst the wickets ever since he was drafted in place of Kulwant Khejroliya. All in all, the bowling lineup doesn’t seem devoid of talent.

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