Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who have lost their opening three games in the tournament, will be desperate to make a turnaround in 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) when they face Rajasthan Royals – another bottom-placed team on April 2 (Tuesday) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Meanwhile, Virat Kohli‘s captaincy has come under the scanner as a result, but the more pressing issues at the moment are an unsettled batting order and the lack of a leader for their bowling attack. As a result, they will like to bring in Nathan Coulter-Nile in place of Colin de Grandhomme. The Bangalore-based side has tried three different opening partners for Parthiv Patel in as many fixtures, including skipper Kohli, but haven’t found much success with any of the pairs and the lack of clarity continues.
With perhaps the exception of Yuzvendra Chahal, RCB can rarely depend on their bowling options and the absence of a death bowler in really hurting the side. Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to solve their problems and come out as a team to script the shift in their fortune.
Date and Venue: April 2 (Tuesday) at 8:00 PM IST, Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Here is the predicted playing XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore for match 14 of 2019 IPL against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium:
PARTHIV PATEL
Parthiv Patel is a seasoned campaigner and needs to take responsibility on his shoulder. The southpaw knows how to handle pressure, and Royal Challengers Bangalore will want some good starts from their wicket-keeper batsman.
MOEEN ALI
The English all-rounder is likely to have lost touch coming into the tournament. However, Moeen Ali needs to hit the strides and justify his selection with both bat and ball.
VIRAT KOHLI
Virat Kohli has struggled to bring out the best out of this team which has affected his performance with the bat as well. The talismanic run-scorer needs to concentrate more on his batting and score runs to help his side put good totals – which they have lacked severely.
AB DE VILLIERS
AB de Villiers needs to be more consistent, and Bangalore will want their star batsman to deliver for them. The former Proteas cricketer has looked in good touch, and a big score is on the cards. The management will hope that he plays a big knock against Rajasthan Royals and lead the comeback.
SHIMRON HETMYER
The pinch-hitter is yet to come to his groove in this tournament. Royal Challengers Bangalore pinned his hopes on Shimron Hetmyer who has likely succumbed to pressure. The southpaw needs to take things lightly and play his natural game to gain back his confidence.
SHIVAM DUBE
The young all-rounder has had a very average tournament so far. The young prospect needs to contribute more for Royal Challengers Bangalore and retain his spot in the playing XI. Shivam Dube can assist with both bat and ball and needs to perform during times when required the most.
NATHAN COULTER NILE
This will be Nathan Coulter Nile’s first game in Bangalore jersey. The Australian quick will be keen to make a good start and help his side make a turnaround in the IPL. Coulter Nile has been in fine form and will aim to make the most out of it.
PRAYAS ROY BARMAN
The young leg-spinner impressed in his very debut game in the IPL. He showed composure against the heavyweights of the game and will only grow in confidence from her. Prayas Ray Barman will want to pay back the trust shown on him by Royal Challengers Bangalore.
UMESH YADAV
Umesh Yadav will have to step up and pick wickets with the new ball. Royal Challengers Bangalore will be in deep trouble if he fails to do so. The India pacer being the senior most needs to stand up in these situations and deliver for his side.
YUVZENDRA CHAHAL
Yuzvendra Chahal has been among the wickets but has lacked some support from his teammates. The leg-spinner will wish to continue his job and pick more wickets for his side in the game against Rajasthan Royals.
MOHAMMAD SIRAJ
Mohammad Siraj has done a fair job so far in the tournament. But the fast bowler will have to make more significant contributions if Royal Challengers Bangalore wants to register their first win in the league.