IPL 2018 KXIP vs RCB: 5 player battles to look forward to between Kings XI Punjab and Royal Challengers Bangalore
After having lost their last two games, Kings XI Punjab are in the midst of a bit of a wobble but they are not yet in danger of missing out on the playoffs and tonight, they come up against a resurgent Royal Challengers Bangalore, who simply have to try to win all games.
They will play at one of the most batsmen-friendly grounds in India and considering the firepower in both teams, it could well be one of the biggest run fests in the tournament. That being said, the ultimate result of the game would depend on some of the individual battles that will unravel tonight at Indore in a crunch game. Here is a look at five of the most important battles in tonight’s game in the IPL.
#5 Ravichandran Ashwin v Parthiv Patel
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman has stood in admirably in the absence of Quinton de Kock and although he failed in his previous game (6 against Delhi Daredevils), Parthiv Patel is a steadying presence for RCB at the top of the order. He is at home against both pace and spin and that is one of the primary reasons why his performance will be crucial tonight in a game in which the RCB would need a good start. He got a half-century in his first game this season and would definitely want to get a substantial score on a pitch which is tailor-made for batting.
His ability to get RCB off to fast starts could prove to be a crucial factor if the team has to make the playoffs and it is his battle with KXIP captain Ravichandran Ashwin that is going to be a highlight of tonight’s game. The Indian off-spinner has reinvented his bowling and has emerged as a far improved bowler this season. This season, he has only given away 8.13 runs an over in 11 games and he would definitely like to have a go at De Kock during the Powerplays.