IPL 2022: Match 3 – Strongest Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Predicted Playing XI against PBKS

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) resume their quest for a maiden title as they kick-start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 campaign against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai will host the encounter on Sunday (March 27). Faf du Plessis has replaced Virat Kohli as skipper and expectations are high from the former. After all, the ex-South African skipper is a proven leader at the highest level.

Speaking of changes in the RCB set-up, AB de Villiers has retired from all formats of the game and RCB won’t be able to avail his services anymore. Nonetheless, the side made some good buys at the auction event and must back themselves to go a long way this time around. It must be noted that RCB qualified for the playoffs in the last couple of IPL seasons. Hence, they would like to go a few more steps further this time around.

Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore for IPL 2022 Match 3:

Openers – Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat

Fans might have to wait for quite a while to see Faf du Plessis opening with Virat Kohli. To provide balance to the team combination, the latter is expected to bat at his designated number-three spot. This means Du Plessis would open alongside Anuj Rawat. The duo is expected to complement each other owing to their contrasting playing styles.

While Rawat likes to attack bowlers from the outset, Du Plessis would be more calculative in his approach to bat long. Not to forget, the Proteas star was instrumental in CSK’s title triumph last season. As far as Rawat is concerned, the 22-year-old has been impressive in the domestic circuit and would like to prove his potential at this level.

Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, Mahipal Lomror, Sherfane Rutherford, Dinesh Karthik

As mentioned above, Kohli would come at one down and would like to make his bat talk this season. He has been short of runs lately, but his overall record is nothing but staggering. Till Glenn Maxwell is not available, West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford can be inducted into the line-up. The dasher can score quick runs alongside bowling some handy overs if needed.

Mahipal Lomror also brings the same attributes to the table. The youngster has been impressive in domestic cricket lately and would be raring to make a mark at this level. Veteran wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik will serve RCB behind the stumps along with giving finishing touches to RCB’s innings.

All Rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Shahbaz Ahmed

RCB might not have a daunting middle-order for the opening game but they bat pretty deep and the same would allow the batters to play freely. Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has made a name for himself in the last couple of years. The young leg-spinner is a genuine wicket-taker and his batting capabilities make him an even greater asset.

England’s David Willey is another all-rounder in the team. The left-arm pacer can get the new ball to swing and he wi’ll have a job in hand in the initial overs. The southpaw can also score handy runs. In Shahbaz Ahmed, RCB have another spin-bowling all-rounder. The youngster did well in the last season and hence, RCB purchased him back at the mega auction.

Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj

The last two spots in the line-up will be occupied by pacers Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj. The two fast bowlers were brilliant for RCB in 2022 and played an instrumental role in taking the side to the playoffs. Harshal even bagged the Purple Cap with 32 wickets. Siraj was also impressive with the new ball and in the death overs as well.

RCB’s Predicted XI for Match 3 against PBKS: Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Mahipal Lomror, Sherfane Rutherford, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Harshal Patel, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj