Royal Challengers Bangalore have got off to a decent start in the IPL 2021 and have won both their previous matches. Both their wins haven’t been convincing but sometimes a hard-fought win does more good than a dominating win. They won one game chasing, defended a below-par score against Sunrisers Hyderabad and all these experiences of coming out on top in pressure situations will come in very handy in latter part of the tournament.
The return of Devdutt Padikkal is a massive boost at the top. RCB will be very pleased to see the form of Glenn Maxwell as well. Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers have already played good knocks. The lower middle-order looks slightly weak but the top order makes up for it. The biggest let down in the previous seasons has emerged as Virat Kohli’s biggest strength in IPL 2021. Kyle Jamieson, Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel have bowled with a lot of fire. However, Kohli will be slightly worried about the form of Yuzvendra Chahal but we don’t think he will replace him as of yet.
Kolkata Knight Riders will be disappointed that they couldn’t win their previous game. They dominated Mumbai Indians for the most part but lost the game in the final overs of the chase. Nitish Rana carried on his good run while Shubman Gill also fetched some handy runs. Rahul Tripathi has also looked pretty decent. However, the form of players like Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell will be a massive worry.
On paper, they look as good as anyone but the performances are not coming. This vulnerability in the middle order can hurt KKR. Pat Cummins, Andre Russell, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy and Shakib al Hasan give them plenty of good bowling options. Harbhajan has just bowled three overs in two matches thus we are wondering why Morgan is persisting with him if he is not going to use him. He may drop him for the next game.
Pitch Report - The surface in Chennai is getting slower with every passing game. Run scoring won't be the easiest task here, especially against the spinners and bowlers who are good with cutters and slower deliveries.
Team News
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Even though Yuzvendra Chahal hasn't had a decent tournament, Virat Kohli is most likely to stick with him for the next game. He, however, can drop Dan Christian and bring in either Kane Richardson or Adam Zampa.
X-Factor
AB de Villiers
We all know what De Villiers can do on his day. He has already won a game for RCB and can be backed to contribute a lot more in the coming games.
Probable XI
Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Daniel Christian/Adam Zampa/Kane Richardson, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Team News
Kolkata Knight Riders
Despite the loss, we don't think Kolkata Knight Riders will make any changes to their playing XI. It's tough letting Sunil Narine warm the bench but Shakib has done a reasonable job for them thus he's almost certain to retain his place.
X-Factor
Nitish Rana
Nitish Rana has played two blistering knocks in the first two games of the IPL 2021. He is looking in ominous form and will be the dangerman for RCB.
Probable XI
Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy