IPL 2018, RCB vs SRH: Royal Challengers predicted XI to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in yet another do-or-die encounter at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 17. With the IPL playoffs just a week away, 7 out of the 8 teams are still in contention.
RCB achieved a comprehensive 10 wicket win against the Kings XI Punjab on May 13 which bolstered their net run-rate. With a win against SRH, they would move up to fifth on the points table.
They are high on confidence and will look to carry on their momentum in front of their home crowd, where they have performed decently well. With Bangalore facing a lot of rain over the past week or so, there is a possibility of the match being curtailed or not taking place at all.
If they do defeat SRH, they will also have to defeat the Rajasthan Royals on May 19 in order to have a chance to qualify for the playoffs.
Let's take a look at their predicted XI:
Parthiv Patel has been a worthy addition to RCB's squad, having performed in all the matches he has played so far. He has given them a brisk start and has attacked the opposition bowlers well in the powerplay. We could expect him to come out all guns blazing against the potent bowling attack of the Sunrisers Hyderabad as well.
Moeen Ali did not open the innings against KXIP, however, we could expect him back at the top of the order, unless RCB are chasing and in a similar position of strength like they were against Punjab. He has performed well with the ball in his previous two matches as well, hence, we could expect him to complete his quota of four overs.
Virat Kohli has been RCB's best batsman once again. He has performed well in almost every match and has taken on the opposition bowlers with ease. He is one of the best batsmen in the world under pressure and we could expect him to come good in their remaining two matches as well.
AB de Villiers came back to form against the Delhi Daredevils as he guided RCB home with a quickfire knock of 71. He didn't have to do anything in the previous match against KXIP as RCB achieved a comfortable victory. He will look to provide stability in the middle order against what is regarded as the best bowling unit in the tournament.
Mandeep Singh performed quite well in the first half of the tournament but has fallen off the rails in the previous few encounters. He will have to step up and perform in the remaining matches if given a chance.
Sarfaraz Khan has not made a mark for himself in the tournament so far. He failed in the first few matches before being dropped. He came back strong against the Daredevils and was looking confident, only to be dismissed by a smart piece of captaincy by Shreyas Iyer. He will hope to redeem himself and help RCB qualify for the playoffs.
Colin de Grandhomme has not had too much to do in the tournament so far, however, he was one of the main reasons why RCB achieved a win against Mumbai two weeks ago. He can be a deadly finisher on his day and if given a chance, could be the X-factor for RCB in the remaining matches.
Tim Southee has performed decently well after coming into the playing XI mid-way through the tournament. He's been RCB's go-to bowler at the beginning of the innings and the death overs.
Umesh Yadav has been RCB's best bowler in the tournament so far. Apart from a couple of matches where he was hit all around the park, he has been able to give his side vital breakthroughs, especially with the new ball. He will look to do much of the same in their remaining two encounters as well.
Mohammed Siraj has turned his season around after a few disappointing performances in the beginning. He has been bowling with a lot of pace and has been able to pick up important wickets and keep his economy rate in check as well.
Yuzvendra Chahal has been amongst the wickets in the previous few matches after underperforming earlier on in the tournament. The pitch in Bangalore might help the spinners and if it does, Chahal will hope to make the most use of it.
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