IPL 2018: 48th Match, KXIP vs RCB - Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will serve as hosts to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 48th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. Ravichandran Ashwin-led team has lost their previous two matches and thus would like to come back to winning ways.

Punjab team will not like to take anything for granted as they would like to leave no stone unturned in the attempt to make their way into playoffs.

On the other hand, Royal Challengers were able to hang on in the playoffs race by winning their previous match against Delhi Daredevils (DD).

Well, Men in Red heavily relies on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Thus, the team management will like to see a whole team effort in the upcoming matches.

When these two teams had met early in the season, RCB was able to cross the line by four wickets.

Here is a look at the Predicted Playing XI of the Kings XI Punjab:

KL Rahul:

KL Rahul has been the lone warrior of Punjab in the last few matches. The stylish opener has scored 537 runs thus far in the 11 matches.

Chris Gayle:

Chris Gayle hasn’t looked at the top of his game in the last couple of matches.

However, the Windies batsman will like to strike back into his form.

Karun Nair

Karun Nair has got off to decent starts in almost every match. However, the Karnataka batsman hasn’t able to make the most of it.

Yuvraj Singh:

Yuvraj Singh warmed the benches in the last few games. The southpaw must return to the side in place of Mayank Agarwal, who is inconsistent with his performances.

Aaron Finch:

Aaron Finch had played a nice little cameo in the last match against KKR.

The Australian batsman had scored 34 off just 20 balls which should be sufficient to seal his place in the final XI.

Axar Patel:

Axar Patel had taken a beating in the previous match. However, all the bowlers had gone for plenty against KKR. Patel can be used as a floater at the top of the order.

Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ravichandran Ashwin was also expensive in the previous match.

However, Punjab skipper played a handy knock of 45 off just 22 balls to help KXIP get near to KKR’s total.

Andrew Tye:

Andrew Tye had scalped four wickets in the last game. The Australian fast bowler has taken 20 wickets thus far in the tournament.

Mohit Sharma:

Mohit Sharma can come in handy with his slower balls which he bowls from the back of the hand. The fast bowler is also accurate with the execution of his yorkers.

Ankit Rajpoot:

Ankit Rajpoot must make his way back into the playing XI in place of Barinder Sran who was expensive.

Rajpoot has impressed with his sharp pace.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman:

Mujeeb Ur Rahman had suffered a blow to his hand in the last match.

However, the Afghanistan spinner should be fit for the game against RCB.

The 17-year-old Mujeeb has been a revelation for Kings XI Punjab so far.