Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB's Playing 11 Against PBKS (Predicted), IPL 2022, Match 03, PBKS vs RCB

AB de Villiers won’t be playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of the upcoming season but he has been appointed as the mentor. Faf du Plessis has replaced Virat Kohli as RCB’s new captain but the latter still remains an integral part of the team. RCB played well last year and managed to reach the playoffs. However, they went down to KKR in the Eliminator match.

CSK vs KKR Dream11 Prediction

Heading into a new season, the franchise would be hoping to lift their maiden IPL title. RCB will kick start their IPL 2022 campaign against Punjab Kings on Sunday at DY Patil Sports Academy. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of RCB for their first match.

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB’s Playing 11 Against PBKS (Predicted), IPL 2022, Match 03, PBKS vs RCB

Openers: Faf du Plessis and Anuj Rawat

RCB’s new captain, Faf du Plessis is the sure-shot starter. He will open the innings for the team. Du Plessis had an outstanding outing with the bat last year. He finished the season as the second-highest run-getter and would be keen to have a similar season this year as well. Anuj Rawat is likely to open the batting alongside Faf du Plessis. He has a good amount of experience of opening the batting in domestic cricket and might open for RCB in the first game.

Middle-Order: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik

Virat Kohli should bat at number three, followed by Glenn Maxwell at four. Both will be two important players in the middle-order. RCB doesn’t have AB de Villiers playing for them this year and, thus, these two will have to take a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. Besides, the franchise have put faith in Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik. The duo will be responsible for providing the finishing touches.

All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel and Shahbaz Ahmed

All three are bowling all-rounders and thus you can’t expect too much out of them as far as batting is concerned. Hasaranga will be their biggest bet in the spin department. He is currently one of the best spinners in the world and thus will hold key to the team’s fortunes. Hasaranga will share the spin bowling duties with Shahbaz Ahmed. Harshal Patel, who was the highest wicket-taker last year, will continue to be a crucial member of the team.

Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj and Josh Hazlewood

RCB have made a great acquisition in Josh Hazlewood. He will lead the fast bowling department for RCB this year. Hazlewood has made a vast improvement as a fast bowler in T20 cricket and is likely to fare well for the team this year. Besides, M Siraj should round off the playing XI.