RCB vs RR: Head-to-head, Playing XI and other interesting stats
Royal Challengers Bangalore will be up against Rajasthan Royals in match number 11 of the Indian Premier League 2018 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The hosts come from a stunning victory against Kings XI Punjab, as Royals too sealed a win in the previous encounter. This, in turn, makes the tie interesting. Expect runs aplenty in Bengaluru. Here is our pre-match report.
Head-to-head: Very thin line separating the two sides
In terms of head-to-head statistics, both teams have met each other 16 times. RCB have won 8 of those matches with RR taking 7. One match did not have a result. Interestingly at Bengaluru, Royals have a better track record. The hosts have two wins against Rajasthan's three with one match bearing no result.
RCB need to make their home a fortress
It is vital for Virat Kohli's side to make the Chinnaswamy a fortress this season. They won the first match played here this season and another victory would give them loads of confidence. It is important for them to build a solid foundation at home.
Both sides have plenty of firepower
It will be crucial for D'Arcy Short to avoid being run-out for the third successive time in IPL 2018. Rajasthan need Short to give them the impetus at the start. Kohli will be hoping his batting stars to come good and play match-winning innings. A game of all-rounders will see Royals' Ben Stokes trying to outsmart English team mate Chris Woakes of RCB.
Probable Playing XI - Royal Challengers Bangalore
RCB likely playing XI: Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper), Brendon McCullum, Virat Kohli (captain), AB de Villiers, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Chris Woakes, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav, Kulwant Khejroliya.
Probable playing XI - Rajasthan Royals
RR likely playing XI: Ajinkya Rahane (captain), D'Arcy Short, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Rahul Tripathi, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ben Laughlin, Jaydev Unadkat.
