IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru strongest predicted playing XI against Punjab Kings

After a disappointing performance in their last game, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would be back in action for their second game of the Indian Premier League 2024. They were outplayed in all departments of the game by the Chennai Super Kings on Friday at the M.A Chidambaram stadium. Their next game is scheduled to be their first home match of the season against the Punjab Kings. 

Punjab Kings hold the advantage in the head-to-head battle between the two teams in the IPL. RCB has only been able to claim 14 wins out of their 31 matches against Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, the visitors have been able to overcome the Bangalore franchise on 17 occasions. Despite a win in their last game, Punjab Kings might not be the favourites while entering the contest against the 2016 finalists. 

There might be some changes to the playing XI for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru due to the difference in conditions at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. They might look to add an extra pacer to their line-up but the decision solely rests in the hands of team management as well as skipper Faf du Plessis. 

Click Here: RCB vs PBKS Live Score, Match 6

Here is Royal Challengers Bengaluru's strongest predicted playing XI against Punjab Kings:

Openers: Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli

There is no doubt that Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli will open the innings for the side against Punjab Kings. The duo gave a great start to the team which was expected from them. Du Plessis was the aggressor in their opening stand and was seen playing his shots with ease and getting the boundaries for his side.

Virat Kohli was not able to face many deliveries early on which might have led to him taking time to get settled at the crease. Once he started to play his shots, he found Ajinkya Rahane at the boundary rope and had to depart because of a stunning relay catch from the latter. He would be looking to get back in form during the next game against Punjab Kings at one of his favourite venues.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

Middle-Order: Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat and Dinesh Karthik

The Team India batter has been struggling with form this year as he has not been able to register a big score in his recent few matches. He could only last a few balls in the last encounter against Chennai Super Kings. There are a lot of young batters in the RCB camp, so Patidar needs to have a good game to instil that belief in the team management for the number three spot.

Anuj Rawat, who had a dismal past IPL season, ensured that he was still in good touch. He was able to perform with the bat and surprised everyone with his power-hitting ability. Fans would be hopeful that the youngster can keep this form up.

Alongside him, Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik also looked in sublime touch as played some glorious shots. He made a decent score of 38 off 26 balls which included 3 fours and two sixes. The 37-year-old was then substituted out due to the impact player rule and did not feature in the match.

Also Check:  Bangalore vs Punjab, Match 6 - MPL Opinio Prediction

All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green 

Glenn Maxwell had a rare disappointing performance as he could not do much with both bat and ball either. But he returns to the home ground of his franchise which favours the batters. He would be looking for a strong performance in the upcoming match against Punjab Kings that might give his side the edge tomorrow night. 

The marquee signing of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Cameron Green was one of the better performers for the side in the last match. He was able to get a start and was trying to stabilise the innings but ended up succumbing to Mustafizur Rahman while trying to up the ante. With the ball, he had a decent outing as he used the short-ball strategy well. 

Bowlers: Mayank Dagar, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Alzaari Joseph

The left-arm spinner was one of the side's key players as he delivered two great overs at quick speed. He was unlucky to not get a wicket for his side but at the same time, he contributed well in the field also. The 27-year-old would be looking to scalp his first wicket for his new franchise at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium.

Karn Sharma had a poor performance with the ball as he had an economy of 12 during his 2 overs. Even though he got a wicket, he could not perform to the best of his abilities and that would be one of the things that he would look to improve in the game against Punjab Kings tomorrow. 

Mohammed Siraj had a rare dismal outing in the game against Chennai Super Kings. His line and length were questionable and the opposition batters pounced on the loose deliveries. He conceded 38 runs in his course of four overs without scalping any wickets. The pacer needs to perform better for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru tomorrow versus against the Punjab Kings.

Alzaari Joseph also would be disappointed with his debut performance for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He gave away 38 runs in the 22 balls that he bowled in the game but his short-ball strategy seemed to be his go-to option. The pacer will look to have a great game in his first home game for the Bangalore franchise.

Another pacer Yash Dayal looks to have forgotten his horror show last season and has come in much better spirits this season. He also took a wicket and was using the short-ball ploy to his benefit. The speedster would be the perfect impact player for the franchise once again in the upcoming match.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap