IPL 2018, RCB vs KKR: 5 player battles to look forward to

Both teams are coming off shattering defeats in their previous games and that makes tonight’s game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders a must-win encounter for both teams. RCB lie 2nd from bottom after winning only 2 out of their first 6 games and although they do not have a great record against KKR, they couldn’t have hoped to play them at a better time.

In their previous game, they conceded the biggest score (219) of the season so far and crashed to a 55 run defeat against the Delhi Daredevils. The game is going to be decided by some of the individual battles that will take place in Bengaluru tonight and the excellent sets of players on either side will hopefully provide a memorable spectacle.

Here is a look at 5 of the most eagerly anticipated individual battles in tonight’s game:

#5 Virat Kohli v Shivam Mavi

Coming up against one of the best batsmen in the world right after being clobbered for 58 in 4 overs in the previous game might not be the most appealing prospect for any bowler, leave alone someone who is 19 years old. However, prior to that performance in Delhi, Shivam Mavi had been KKR’s best fast bowler, providing the team with some much-needed firepower.

His contest with RCB captain Virat Kohli is going to be one to watch out for. Kohli has made 249 runs so far in the tournament and is averaging just short of 50. He has a strike rate of 136.81 and Mavi is the only bowler in the attack who has the pace to test him. If he can get his wicket then it could easily turn the tide in KKR’s favour. The contest between the Indian captain and the upcoming Indian fast bowler is a tantalizing prospect.