Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Rajasthan Royals at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Both sides have won two out of three matches so far. Royal Challengers Bangalore have started their campaign with a narrow win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, in the second match, they have been outclassed by Kings XI Punjab. In the third match, Royal Challengers Bangalore have edged past Mumbai Indians in the Super Over. Virat Kohli’s side will be eyeing to keep the momentum with a win against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.
Rajasthan Royals have won two back to back matches in Sharjah against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab. However, they have been demolished by Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai in the previous match. Now, they have to play in Abu Dhabi. The players will certainly try to assess the condition well and perform better in this match.
Pitch Report:
The toss is going to be a vital part of this tournament because of the nature of the pitches. Most captains prefer batting second under lights. However, we have seen that the teams with a big total on board can defend the score with a disciplined bowling attack.
Head To Head Record:
Total Matches Played: 21
Royal Challengers Bangalore Won: 8
Rajasthan Royals Won: 10
No Result: 3
Predicted Playing XI; Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs Rajasthan Royals:
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, AB De Villiers, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Yuzi Chahal, Navdeep Saini, Umesh Yadav, Isuru Udana.
Rajasthan Royals:
Jos Buttler, Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Tom Curran, Ankit Rajpoot. Jaydev Unadkat.
Key Players:
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
Virat Kohli
AB De Villiers
Rajasthan Royals:
Jos Buttler
Sanju Samson
Captain And Vice Captain Selection:
Captain Choices: Virat Kohli, Sanju Samson.
Vice-Captain Choices: AB De Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Butler, Steve Smith.
Probable Winner: Rajasthan Royals.
It is going to be the first match of the season in the afternoon. So, the players will have to accustom themselves with the heat as well. Royal Challengers Bangalore might make one or two changes in their side in this match. In the previous match, they have gone with the Australian leg spinner Adam Zampa. However, Adam Zampa has conceded plenty of runs and the team management might go with an all-rounder like Chris Morris and Moeen Ali for the better balance in their side. The other concern might be the form of their captain Virat Kohli. However, the player needs one big innings to get back into form. Devdutt Padikkal has been phenomenal for Royal Challengers Bangalore so far in this season. The left-hander has already marked his presence with two fifties in three matches.
On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals’ batting lineup is hugely dependent on their top three batters. Jofra Archer has been excellent for them so far. The two English bowlers Jofra Archer and Tom Curran are also contributing with the bat. The spinners should perform well for Rajasthan Royals in this match to keep the heavy batting lineup of Royal Challengers Bangalore under control.
