Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is all set to host Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in an important clash of the ongoing Indian Premier League. The match is very important for both the sides because a win for either side will put them in the top four teams in the points table. Kings XI is at number eight in the table with eight points to their name and they will be desperate to make rapid progress in the tournament. The team from Punjab had a bad start but in the past few matches, the team has played some good cricket.
RCB were the finalist in IPL-4 and a lot was expected from them. They have been one of the most inconsistent sides in the tournament and they will be eager to change that. They have a balanced side but some of their big players are not rising to the occasion.
The match will see some of the most exciting talent in world cricket; let’s have a look at some of them.
Royal Challengers Bangalore:
AB de Villiers: He has played a crucial role in almost all Bangalore wins. His strike rate is only second to Virender Sehwag and he has been one of the finest finishers in this tournament. RCB depend heavily on the South African captain and will want him to come good once again.
Chris Gayle: He is one of the most dangerous cricketers going around. He has the ability to change the course of the game in a matter of few overs. Even his miss hit clears the boundary comfortably. Gayle is in prime form and is in the race for the orange cap that was his in the last year’s edition.
Zaheer Khan: He started the tournament a bit slowly, but he is in top gear now. He is one of the most trusted weapons in RCB’s armory and a lot is expected from this premier Indian fast bowler. He has been a world class performer and is lethal with both new and old ball.
Harshal Patel: He was an unknown identity before the tournament started but now he is one of the key performers for RCB. He has a good action and bowls at a good pace. He has already bowled some crucial spells for the Bangalore team and will be hoping to ball one in today’s match.
Kings XI Punjab:
Azhar Mahmood: He is one of the most experienced T20 players in the world. Former Pakistani all-rounder is at his best when he plays the shortest format and has already made an impact in the Kings side. Mahmood is a very good hitter of the cricket ball and can clear the boundary with ease.
David Hussey: The stand-in captain is in good knick and has played some match changing innings already. Hussey will know that a win against RCB is very important for his team and will be raring to have a bat. He is a clean striker of the ball and is a good finisher.
Piyush Chawla: He has been one of the most economical bowlers in this season. Chawla has played a crucial role in some of the Kings XI wins. Chawla is a very canny bowler and is very effective with his flight and guile.
Ryan Harris: The Australian pacer is back and he will be looking to change the fortunes for the Punjab team. He is a aggressive bowler and looks to take wickets every time he bowls. Harris can ball some very good Yorkers in the death overs and is quite handy with the bat as well.
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News
