IPL 2017: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 5 factors of winning
With the overseas trio of AB de Villiers, Samuel Badree and Tymal Mills likely to be available for selection, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have received a major boost ahead of the game. Even though they have pulled their campaign back on track following a victory against Gujarat Lions, Virat Kohli’s team desperately need to continue their winning ways to harbour hopes of reaching the play-offs.
Extra Cover: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Today's probable playing 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Their task is easier said than done. Squaring up against them will be the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who are quite formidable at their home base in Eden Gardens. Despite suffering a reversal against the Lions, Gautam Gambhir’s men will be quietly confident of their chances this time around.
Here are five factors that could go a long way in influencing the contest.
#5 With the bat
Led by the ever reliable Virat Kohli, RCB’s batting lineup is an imposing one on paper. With Chris Gayle showing signs of returning to his marauding form, they will be eager to make a strong statement against the Knight Riders. AB de Villiers is set to take the place of Travis Head. It should be hard to find a more explosive top three if all of them are able to fire simultaneously.
KKR’s fortunes in the batting department will depend a lot on the likes of Gambhir, Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey. If they manage to set a solid foundation, the lower middle-order featuring Yusuf Pathan and company can do significant damage in the end overs.