Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have lost five games out of as many matches in this ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). With their confidence shattered, they need to fight with themselves as they look for their first win of the season when they face Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on April 7 (Sunday).
The bowling unit has been their area with which they have struggled continuously over the years. They have lacked a leader, and despite repetitive failures, the management didn’t take a note of it during the auctions and thus, the results are here. After putting 205 runs on the board, they went down in the last game against Kolkata Knight Riders as Ander Russell powered the visiting team home scoring 75 runs in the last four overs.
Virat Kohli at the end of the game said there is no need to talk much and they should start performing. He is still hopeful of their chances and expects to script a turnaround from here. They are likely to bring in the experience of Umesh Yadav in the next game in place of Mohammad Siraj. However, for Bangalore is more about keeping the composure and doing their basics right instead of chopping and changing.
Date and Venue: April 7 (Sunday) at 4:00 PM IST, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Here is the predicted XI of Royal Challengers Bangalore for match 20 of the ongoing IPL against Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium:
VIRAT KOHLI
Virat Kohli got his touch back and played an outstanding knock against the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, it was not enough for the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowlers to defend. This loss will take a toll on cricketer Kohli, and he needs to come out of as fast as possible.
PARTHIV PATEL
Parthiv Patel has been among the runs since the start of the season. He has provided good starts with 30+ scores. His job will be to carry on with it and expect the bowlers to chip in as Royal Challengers Bangalore strive for their first win of the season.
AB DE VILLIERS
AB de Villiers played a classic knock in the last game; however, it went in vain with Andre Russell single-handedly overhauling the target. The former Proteas cricketer will want to keep up the good work and score more runs for his side.
MARCUS STOINIS
Marcus Stoinis has made significant contributions with the bat in both the games he has featured for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, the franchise will want him to chip in with the ball as well and help his side make inroads in the tournament.
MOEEN ALI
Moeen Ali had no role to play in the last game. Meanwhile, with the batsmen clicking as of now, his job will be to contain the batters in the middle overs and pick wickets. Although it is a very tough job at the M. Chinnaswamy, Ali will be aiming to give his best for bottom-placed Bangalore team.
AKSHDEEP NATH
Akshdeep Nath has been in the playing XI for the last two games but has not got an opportunity to showcase his talent. The young batsman from Uttar Pradesh will want some time in the middle and play a part with the bat. Nath has prior experience playing in the IPL and will look to bring his all expertise and contribute to the team.
PAWAN NEGI
Pawan Negi had a great game against Kolkata bowling some tight overs and picking wickets at the right moment. However, he lacked support from the other end. Negi will hope his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammates to support him as he looks to keep up the good work with the ball.
TIM SOUTHEE
Tim Southee had a poor outing in the last game as Andre Russell took him for over the park. The Kiwi bowler has the experience behind his back and knows to come back in these situations. Royal Challengers Bangalore management will hope thier overseas recruit to shine and help thier side return to winning ways.
NAVDEEP SAINI
Navdeep Saini has done relatively a good job with the ball picking wickets. However, the Indian pacer will grow in confidence playing in this top-tier league. Bangalore will want to give him as many games as possible as Saini will look to continue picking wickets.
UMESH YADAV
Umesh Yadav has had a poor season so far and will aim to bounce back. With a World Cup spot in sight, the Vidarbha pacer needs to up his game and impress the selectors. The Royal Challengers will hope that their senior man returns to form and contribute to their win.
YUZVENDRA CHAHAL
Yuzvendra Chahal has been the only player who has performed consistently for the team despite ending on the losing side. The leg-spinner will aim to do what he does best and be in his top form ahead of the ICC World Cup.