IPL 2024: PBKS vs RCB Match 58 - Top 3 player battles to watch out for

The two trophy-less teams go head-to-head in the 58th match to secure a playoff berth in the IPL 2024. Punjab Kings (PBKS) will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the HPCA in Dharamshala, on May 9, in a do-or-die battle for both teams to stay alive in the tournament.

RCB lost six games on the trot but staged a massive recovery to climb from the bottom of the points table to seventh place with three straight remarkable wins. On the other hand, PBKS have been an unpredictable team so far and they are currently only one place behind their opponents in the upcoming match.

It is noteworthy that Faf du Plessis and Co. had the last laugh with a four-wicket win when the two teams met in Bengaluru earlier this season. Punjab will look for a payback this coming Thursday and expect a tough fight at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in a high-stakes match.

Check Here: PBKS vs RCB Live Score, Match 58

Here are the top three player battles to watch out for in PBKS vs RCB IPL 2024 clash:

3. Faf du Plessis vs Kagiso Rabada

Faf du Plessis did not have a great start in this season but he regained his form as the tournament progressed. The RCB skipper is the second-leading run-scorer for the team with over 350 runs at a strike rate of 172.55. Notably, he scored a blazing 23-ball 64 in the previous match against Gujarat Titans. 

In the last match between the two sides, du Plessis failed to make an impact as he was dismissed for just three runs. It was his compatriot Kagiso Rabada who took the big wicket – his third overall in the IPL rivalry. The onus will again be on the Proteas pacer to get the RCB opener out early to avoid damage.

Check Here: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

2. Glenn Maxwell vs Rahul Chahar

The ongoing IPL 2024 is perhaps one of Glenn Maxwell's worst seasons. He completely struggled to find runs and suggested himself to be dropped from the team in a few matches. He was back in the XI for the last two matches but there was no difference in his performance with the bat. 

On the other hand, PBKS spinner Rahul Chahar was warming the bench in the early stages of the tournament, but has recently made his way into the team and has been putting in some brilliant performances. He is coming on the back of a three-wicket haul against Chennai Super Kings. The right-arm leg-spinner will compete against Maxwell in the middle overs and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top in the battle. Chahar has pocketed Maxi twice in the IPL, but the Australian has hit him at a strike rate of 147.72.

Check Here: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

1. Jonny Bairstow vs Mohammed Siraj 

Jonny Bairstow has had an inconsistent run so far, but he can thrash opponents with ruthless batting when he is on song. The PBKS opener will be having a battle against RCB pacer Mohammed Siraj in the powerplay. The visitors can’t afford Bairstow to spend a long time at the crease and they will rely on Siraj to do the needful. 

Check Here: PBKS vs RCB Dream11 Team Prediction

The right-arm pacer has not been in good form this season, leaking plenty of runs. He delivered 25 balls to Bairstow in the league and conceded 54 runs (216 SR). However, Siraj has managed to get the Englishman out once, that too in their previous meeting this season.