IPL 2018: Match 8, RCB vs KXIP: Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have always been blamed for possessing bowling lineups, that leak runs. However, during the auction, they bagged some prominent names from the T20 circuit to add teeth to their attack. They finished the previous season at the bottom of the table and were itching to turn the fortunes around. Nevertheless, RCB were comprehensively beaten in their opening game by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

The franchise would like to shed the disappointment from their previous game and try and stage a comeback in their opening home game at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore against the Kings XI Punjab. Virat Kohli’s men will definitely wish to get their combination right and set the ball rolling at the earliest. For the time being, let’s take you through the probable eleven of RCB.

Openers (Quinton de Kock (wk), Brendon McCullum)

The franchise is likely to retain the opening stand of Quinton de Kock and Brendon McCullum. De Kock was bagged by the Challengers in the auction and was sent to open with Baz against the Knights. However, he struggled to make an impact. He tried to be ambitious early on and threw his wicket away to a rash stroke. The South African wicketkeeper-batsman would now be looking to make amends against Punjab.

Brendon McCullum moved from the Gujarat Lions to the Challengers and made an impact right away. He took RCB off to a blistering start and didn’t shy away from unleashing his wide range of strokes. He was eventually dismissed by Sunil Narine when he tried to pounce on a short delivery only to see his stumps shattered. The Kiwi would want to replicate the form against the Kings as well.

Middle-order (Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers, Sarfraz Khan, Mandeep Singh)

The whole of the middle-order was retained during the IPL retention ceremony last year in December. Virat Kohli poor run of form at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Meanwhile, RCB would be hoping for their star batsman to deliver against Punjab. De Villiers showed tremendous touch against the Knights and would need to replicate his form if RCB are the topple the visitors.

Sarfraz Khan faltered against the Knights in an attempt to up the ante in the dying stages of the RCB innings. Mandeep Singh’s blitz, in the end, gave them the finishing kick, which also propelled the score to a competitive both. Both Sarfraz and Mandeep’s role would be crucial especially on a wicket which is traditionally known for assisting the batsmen.

All-rounders (Chris Woakes)

Chris Woakes played for the Knight Riders in the erstwhile edition of the tournament and dished out some outstanding performances, especially with the leather. However, the franchise released him and was drafted in by the Challengers. He played against his previous franchise and impressed with three wickets in his quota, including the scalps of Chris Lynn and Andre Russell.

Moreover, he is no mug with the willow either as he has shown for England over the years. He might be slotted at number seven in the lineup, but his contribution with the bat can’t be ruled out by any means. The English all-rounder would be key if RCB are to outclass their opposition.

Bowlers (Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav, Aniket Chaudhary, Yuzvendra Chahal)

The bowling lineup couldn’t perform as per expectations, however, their skills can’t be undermined on the basis of one bad day. Washington Sundar and Yuzvendra Chahal have been stupendous for India and they would be key for the Challengers to keep the Punjab batsmen in check. The duo would want to shed the despair of their game against KKR and take charge against Punjab with a new zeal.

Umesh Yadav, who also played for the Knights last season, bowled with venom and nipped out the crucial wickets of Sunil Narine and Robin Uthappa. Meanwhile, they might replace Kulwant Khejroliya, who underperformed against Dinesh Karthik’s men, with Aniket Chaudhary, another left-arm pacer who has already played for RCB.

RCB Predicted XI: