RCB vs KXIP: Head-to-head, Playing XI and other interesting stats
Royal Challengers Bangalore will hope to rebound after a loss in the first match against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League 2018 season. It is an important clash at home against Kings XI Punjab, the team which decimated Delhi Daredevils in the opener. Both teams have batting superstars and expect plenty of runs at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Here is our pre-match report.
KXIP enjoy a better record against Virat's RCB
In terms of the head-to-head stats, both teams have met each other 20 times with Punjab winning 12 and Bangalore 8. At Chinnaswamy stadium Bengaluru, the Kings XI Punjab have gone on to win 5 out of the 9 games that the two sides have played. Last season too, KXIP won at the Chinnaswamy besides completing a double. One can expect a run-feast today.
RCB need to arrest home slide
In the 2017 edition of IPL, RCB had a sorry campaign at home. They just won one match at the Chinnaswamy, besides losing 5 games with one match having no result. Therefore it is crucial for Kohli to rally his troops well and perform well.
RCB need to be wary of new-look KXIP
KXIP have assembled a squad that is heavy on batting. They are as good as RCB's own line-up in this matter. But it is the bowling where KXIP have an edge over the hosts. The likes of R Ashwin, Andrew Tye and Mohit Sharma will be pivotal against a fancied RCB. The hosts need to come good in all departments to win this encounter.
Probable Playing XI - Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB likely playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Brendon McCullum, Virat Kohli (captain), AB de Villiers, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Chris Woakes, Washington Sundar, Kulwant Khejrolia, Yuzvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav
Probable playing XI - Kings XI Punjab
KXIP likely playing XI: KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Mayank Agarwal, David Miller, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, R Ashwin (captain), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Mujeeb Ur Rahman
