IPL 2023: Match 9, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Predicted Playing XI vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) made a happy return to Chinnawamy after a hiatus of nearly three years as they rolled over five-time champions Mumbai Indians in their first game of IPL 2023. An all-round bowling performance by the bowlers, especially the pacers, led the foundation for their victory in the season opener.

While the bowlers restricted Rohit Sharma's side to a par total in the first innings, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli were merciless with the bat in hand. The duo dispatched the Mumbai bowlers to all parts of the ground in a dominating opening stand that saw the home side get home without breaking a sweat.

The Men in Red and Gold will now travel to the Eden Gardens to take on two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders in their first away match of the season. While the Kolkata-based franchise have not been at their best in recent times, RCB will be wary of the threats they possess, especially in their home conditions.

Here's Royal Challengers Bangalore's predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders:

Openers: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli

It was RCB's South African batting superstar Faf du Plessis, who opened the floodgates for his side in their campaign opener. The RCB skipper was on the attack from the get-go and played some nonchalant shots in a rollicking start for his side in the powerplay. His innings of 73 runs off 43 deliveries brought the Bangalore-based franchise to the cusp of victory.

Faf's opening partner and former Indian skipper Virat Kohli took his time initially, but once he got his eye in, there was no stopping IPL's leading run-scorer. Although he was handed a reprieve by Jofra Archer, the Indian batting ace looked in supreme touch and remained unbeaten at the crease to seal an emphatic first victory of the tournament.

Middle Order: Dinesh Karthik

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik failed to open his account in his side's drubbing of Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2023 campaign opener. He was dismissed for a three-ball duck as he tried to finish the chase off in a hurry. The former KKR skipper will be hoping for a memorable return to Eden Gardens in the upcoming fixture.

All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Michael Bracewell, David Willey

Glenn Maxwell was at his usual breathtaking best with the bat as the explosive Australian dasher smashed 12 runs off just three deliveries, laced with two sixes in a thumping victory for his side. However, he wouldn't be too pleased with his bowling effort as he was taken for 16 runs in his only over.

Michael Bracewell's IPL debut was a memorable one for the star Kiwi all-rounder as he grabbed the prized scalp of Mumbai India's ace batter Suryakumar Yadav at a crucial juncture in the match. Although he did not get a chance to display his quality with the bat, RCB will be pleased with the debutant's outing.

Reece Topley's injury was the only disappointing aspect for RCB in their season opener as the left-arm pacer dislocated his shoulder while fielding the ball. His compatriot David Willey is expected to replace the injured pacer in the line-up, given his exploits with the new ball at the top of the order. Willey is no mug with the bat either and can help his side rack up quick runs if needed.

Bowlers: Shahbaz Ahmed, Karn Sharma, Harshal Patel, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Shahbaz Ahmed's only contribution for RCB in their campaign opener came in the field as the left-arm spinner neither got a chance to bat or bowl against the Mumbai Indians. However, he might come in handy on a traditionally spin-friendly track in Kolkata.

Veteran Indian leggie Karn Sharma was impressive with the ball as he returned with 2/32 in his four overs on a batting-friendly track at the Chinnaswamy. His two wickets were one of the crucial factors in the match as he dismissed the hard-hitting Nehal Wadhera and Tim David in consecutive overs.

Harshal Patel was impeccable with the ball in his first three overs of the match against MI, but the medium pacer was taken to the cleaners in his last over. His fourth and last over of the first innings yielded 22 runs as the bowler returned with unimpressive figures of 43/1 in his four overs. 

Another RCB bowler who leaked runs in the clash against MI was a 26-year-old pacer from Bihar, Akash Deep. Although he grabbed the prized wicket of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in his first over of the tournament, he conceded 29 runs in his three overs. 

Mohammed Siraj made a brilliant start to his IPL campaign in the high-profile encounter against Mumbai Indians. The star Indian pacer utilized the new ball to great effect and was a constant nuisance for the batters in the powerplay. He drew the first blood for his side after sending back Ishan Kishan to the pavilion and was unlucky not to dismiss his Indian skipper Rohit Sharma in a fiery spell of fast bowling.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Probable Playing XI:

Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Michael Bracewell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), David Willey, Karn Sharma, Harshal Patel, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) Probable Impact Players:

Suyash Prabhudessai, Anuj Rawat,  Avinash Singh, Mahipal Lomror,  Siddarth Kaul

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