IPL 2018: RCB vs KXIP, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) today's probable playing 11 against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
After succumbing to a four-wicket loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in their 2018 IPL opener, Royal Challengers Bangalore now welcome Kings XI Punjab at the Chinnaswamy in what would be RCB's first home game of the season.
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Opening the RCB batting against Kings XI Punjab would be Brendon McCullum, who was one of the better performers for them against KKR. The former New Zealand captain scored quickfire 43 runs before Narine castled him.
Partnering McCullum would be South Africa's wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock. Though the left-handed opener wasn't at his best in the previous match, there is no denying the fact that De Kock can tear apart a bowling on his day.
Skipper Virat Kohli looks set to walk in at number three like he did in the last match. The knock of 33-ball-31 Kohli played against KKR didn't do justice to his abilities as a T20 batsman and we all can expect a better show from him.
AB de Villiers will follow his captain at number four and would want to continue from where he left in the last match. De Villiers amassed 44 runs and was the team's top scorer against KKR. Sarfaraz Khan and Mandeep Singh, who was the shining light in an otherwise sub-par performance from RCB, will complete the batting line-up.
England's Chris Woakes will once again be the fourth overseas player in the side and would have a big role to play with both bat and ball. Washington Sundar will be the second all-rounder in the side, however, his prowess with the ball will be of more use to the side than his batting.
Umesh Yadav was impressive against his former side KKR and scalped the all-important wicket of Narine. He was economical as well and gave away 27 runs in his four-spell while picking up two wickets. Delhi's Kulwant Khejroliya might retain his place in the side as the second pacer. Though Khejroliya was expensive against KKR, the team management would want to give another chance to the 26-year-old.
Yuzvendra Chahal, who is RCB's most valued asset with the ball, wasn't at his best in the first match where he leaked 29 runs in three overs. The leg-spinner has been one of the better bowlers in the international circuit recently has to step up and his performances will be of utmost importance to the Bangalore-based franchise.
Though there were question marks raised on RCB's team combination, they are expected to go in with the same team against KXIP.