IPL 2020: Match 33: Rajasthan Royals Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB Predicted XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore encountered in what is likely another minor blip in their promising IPL 2020 campaign. On Thursday, the Royal Challengers suffered their third loss of the season and second to Kings XI Punjab resoundingly by eight wickets. Nevertheless, with ten points in their kitty, the convincing defeat did not change things as they retained the third spot in the points table.

They will face Rajasthan Royals next in Dubai, whose campaign is rapidly spiralling down and will go to any lengths to clinch the game. Nevertheless, Bangalore start not only as favourites but will also take confidence as they comprehensively beat the Royals in their last meeting. The Royal Challengers could also bag the top spot if they again overcome their opposition.

We take a look at Royal Challengers Bangalore’s predicted eleven ahead of their IPL 2020 game against Rajasthan Royals:

Devdutt Padikkal:

With three fifties in the tournament so far, Devdutt Padikkal has arguably been the breakout star and the find for RCB. Padikkal began his innings promisingly against Kings XI Punjab, hammering a six and a four before spooning one to extra cover. The southpaw departed for 18 off 12 deliveries and scored a half-century in the last meeting against Rajasthan.

Aaron Finch (c):

Aaron Finch has had a lean IPL 2020 season with the bat, having managed only one half-century from eight games. Aaron Finch looked set for a big score as he was the aggressor early on between him and Padikkal. Nevertheless, the Australian limited-overs skipper got done by a beauty from Murugan Ashwin for 20 off 18 balls. Regardless, RCB is likely to persist with him.

Virat Kohli (c):

Virat Kohli, who has three fifties in IPL 2020, is nearing the 300-run mark. Virat Kohli scored 48 off 39 deliveries against Kings XI Punjab and perished when trying to go for quick runs. The 31-year old will fancy his chances against the Royals since he scored an unbeaten fifty against them in their last meeting.

AB De Villiers:

The RCB management strangely held back AB De Villiers against Kings XI Punjab even as he smashed 73 in the same venue against KKR. De Villiers, who batted at number six against Punjab, could score only a couple of runs in five deliveries. Hence, no matter the situation, he is expected to come at number four.

Shivam Dube:

Shivam Dube mustered 23 off 19 deliveries against Kings XI Punjab with two sixes under his belt in Sharjah. Shivam Dube shared a vital stand of 41 with skipper Virat Kohli in 31 deliveries; however, Chris Jordan ended his threatening knock with a bouncer.

Washington Sundar:

Instead of AB De Villiers, the Royal Challengers decided to promote Washington Sundar at number four in Sharjah against Kings XI Punjab. Sundar made almost a run-a-ball 13 with a single boundary before holing out to long-on. With the ball, the off-spinner strangely proved ineffective, leaking 38 runs in four overs.

Chris Morris:

Chris Morris is proving to be an invaluable player for the Royal Challengers, contributing to the team’s cause across facets. Morris finished 25 not out off eight deliveries, hammering three sixes in those to take his side past 170. The South African all-rounder later came up with a miserly four-over spell that gave away only 24 runs, albeit without a wicket.

Isuru Udana:

Isuru Udana played a precious hand of ten off five deliveries and built a partnership of 35 in only 13 balls with Chris Morris. Nevertheless, Virat Kohli might have underutilized him on Thursday, giving him only two overs. Udana will indeed fancy the wicket in Dubai, which has been getting slower.

Navdeep Saini:

Navdeep Saini was the most economical bowler for RCB against Kings XI Punjab in Sharjah, leaking only 21 runs in four overs. Navdeep Saini shared the new ball with Chris Morris and kept the scoring areas to a minimal in the initial overs. Saini’s four overs witnessed only three boundaries being hit.

Yuzvendra Chahal:

Yuzvendra Chahal was the second-most expensive bowler in Sharjah against Kings XI Punjab, giving away 35 runs in three overs; however, removed Mayank Agarwal. The Haryana-born leggie also delivered a brilliant 20th over, forcing the match to extend till the final delivery. Chahal has been the frontline spinner for the Royal Challengers.

Mohammed Siraj:

Mohammed Siraj was the most expensive bowler for RCB against Kings XI Punjab and perhaps the weakest link. Mohammed Siraj not only went wicketless but conceded 44 runs in three overs, ending with an economy rate of 14.66. Nevertheless, it looks unlikely for Bangalore to drop the seamer after only one bad game in IPL 2020.

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