IPL 2019 – Match 42: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab – RCB Predicted Playing XI

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have discovered positive energy in their camp as we head to the business end of the tournament. In the last four games, they have won three and have kept their chances of making it to the playoffs alive. However, they will have to be on their toes every game from now to stand a chance to make it to the knockouts.

Moreover, they will depend on a few other results to go their way. But since they are almost out of the race, the team is enjoying its cricket and is playing with a lot more freedom unlike in the initial few games. They registered a heart-thumping victory against CSK in their last game and will look to keep the momentum going forward as they take on the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) next. The bowling department still remains to be a concern for RCB.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):

Openers (Virat Kohli (c), Parthiv Patel (wk))

Virat Kohli couldn’t follow up his century against KKR with a big knock versus CSK. He was set up beautifully by Deepak Chahar in the last match. The RCB skipper went fishing around the 5th stump line and gave a straightforward catch to the keeper. However, his confidence seems to be sky high at the moment after the recent wins and will look forward to putting up a big score.

Parthiv Patel played a fine knock in the last game. He counterattacked the bowlers despite losing wickets at the other end. The wicket-keeper batsman scored an important half-century and was brilliant behind the stumps with that last ball run out. It is important for him to maintain the consistency going forward.

Middle Order (AB de Villiers, Akshdeep Nath)

The middle order will comprise of AB de Villiers and Akshdeep Nath. While the South African will bat at three, Akshdeep could be slotted down the order. De Villiers tried playing attacking cricket in the last game. But he couldn’t last long and was dismissed after scoring 25 runs. Being the senior member in the side, he needs to be more calculative about his approach.

Akshdeep adds balance to the side and can be used as a floater. He is a naturally attacking batsman and should not look to curb his instincts. Irrespective of the position where he bats, the youngster needs to come out and play aggressive cricket which will help reduce the burden on the batsmen at the other end.

All Rounders (Moeen Ali, Marcus Stoinis)

Given that all England players are set to leave soon, this should be the last game for Moeen Ali. He has been terrific for the team this season and has added a great balance. It would be great if he can help his team win the match before he departs to England. RCB must bat him at the number four slot as he can do the maximum damage at this position.

Marcus Stoinis can either bat at five or six depending on the situation but not at four. He enjoys going after the bowlers right from the first ball rather than nudging it around and building an inning. The Australian will be available for at least three more matches including this one. His role with the ball will be critical.

Bowlers (Dale Steyn, Pawan Negi, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kulwant Khejroliya)

Dale Steyn has changed the fortunes of the RCB bowling line-up. He is picking up wickets in the powerplay which seemed a rarity a few games ago. His performances and energy have been rubbing off on the other players as well and they are also looking to give their best. He will be the leader of the pace attack consisting of Navdeep Saini and Kulwant Khejroliya.

RCB has tried enough of Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. They can add a new dimension to their attack by bringing the left-arm seamer Kulwant into the eleven. Yuzvendra Chahal and Pawan Negi will continue to be the two other spinners in the side.

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