IPL 2018: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) probable playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Royal Challengers Bangalore have finally regained their lost momentum with two back to back victories against the Delhi Daredevils & Kings XI Punjab in their last two matches. The Virat Kohli led RCB will be hosting the current table toppers - Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Thursday.
It is a must-win match for RCB if they would want to keep their hopes of qualification alive, while the Sunrisers Hyderabad will be fighting for a spot in the Top-2.
Here is how Virat Kohli and Co. could line-up against SRH:
Parthiv Patel (WK): The left-hander from Ahmedabad has been successful in providing his team with some quick-fire starts in the last few matches, thereby laying a solid foundation for the middle-order batsmen. With an impressive strike rate of 141.66, it is likely that Parthiv would retain his spot in the team.
Virat Kohli (Captain): Arguably the best batsman in the world across all three formats at the moment, and undoubtedly the best for RCB this season, Virat Kohli would walk into any team without any difficulty. His form in the last couple of matches is a great sign for RCB, as Virat is the key to success for his franchise.
AB de Villiers: The South African right-handed batsman is RCB's most crucial player in the middle order. AB would walk in after the fall of the first wicket and would want to continue from where he left against the Delhi Daredevils. He smashed the DD bowlers all around the park in his unbeaten 72-run knock and along-with Virat guided his team to a satisfying 5 wicket victory.
Mandeep Singh: Mandeep has been RCB's main finisher this season. After MS Dhoni, Mandeep Singh has had the most runs at the death overs this season and more often than not has helped RCB to finish strong. The right-hander from Punjab will bat at the number 4 position against DD.
Moeen Ali: After impressing everybody with his performances for his national side England, Moeen Ali was picked up by the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the auctions, but unfortunately, he didn't find a spot in the playing XI for the first 9 matches. However, Ali has now started to prove his worth to the team. His economical off-breaks in the middle overs have been significant for his team.
Colin de Grandhomme: The Kiwi all-rounder has proved to be worthy ever since he has stepped into the team. He has played some important cameos with the bat towards the end of the innings, and also has been very economical with the bowl. Plus, taking into consideration his fielding abilities, he for sure shall retain his spot in the team.
Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan at 7 would provide a lot of depth to the batting order. Also known as Mini-ABD, Sarfaraz has the ability to play innovate shots all around the wicket. Though the 20-year old has had a somber season so far, he needs just one big inning to regain his lost confidence.
Tim Southee: Having been able to execute the yorkers to perfection at the death, Southee has always been the most reliable death bowling option for Virat Kohli. The Kiwi has also been remarkable in the field having taken some brilliant catches in the deep. RCB would hope that Southee continues his good form for the remainder of the tournament.
Umesh Yadav: The right-arm speedster from Vidarbha has been RCB's pick of the bowlers this year. Umesh has taken 17 wickets in 12 matches and is ranked number 3 on the Purple Cap list as well. There aren't a lot of questions regarding his spot in the team, indeed, he will be looking to lead the bowling attack against SRH.
Mohammad Siraj: After a poor start to the tournament, Mohammad Siraj has bowled very well lately. He has 9 wickets to his name in the last six games, including a 3-fer against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He will bowl along-with Tim Southee at the death for RCB.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Chahal hasn't performed up to our expectations this season. He has managed to take just 11 wickets in 12 matches so far, however, his performances in the previous two matches have shown some signs of a comeback. Chahal would like to take some confidence from the last two matches and would be keen on delivering in the upcoming fixtures.
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