IPL 2018: How will RCB line up without Virat Kohli against DD

With chances rife that Virat Kohli may miss today’s match against DD, RCB would already be discussing to come up with his replacement in the playing XI. While it is true that it is almost impossible to replace a player like Kohli, the team management would have to name one nonetheless.

If reports in Star sports live are to be believed, Virat Kohli missed the practice session on the eve of the fixture against DD. Kohli is currently unwell and may not be match fit in such a short span of time.

Also Read: RCB’s probable playing XI against DD at Delhi

Kohli being unwell come as a setback for RCB who are already struggling at the 7th spot in the points table, with 3 wins and 7 losses out of their 10 games. The franchise has to now win all its coming four matches in order to stay in the hunt.

Although Kohli has performed well with almost 400 runs and an average of a shade under 50 in this year’s IPL, his team has not done well. In such a scenario, RCB would now have to come up with a replacement for Kohli.

Straight Swap with Sarfaraz Khan

If they have to pick a straight swap, RCB can give the youngster Sarfaraz Khan a nod in place of him. Sarfaraz was retained by the franchise but could not come up with notable performances. His fielding was also quite ordinary after which he was dropped.

However, the U-19 star is a quality player and would require just one quality knock to turn things around. After being dropped from the side and warming the benches for a long time, he would be raring to go.

Also Read: Virat Kohli may miss out the game against DD

Brendon McCullum in for Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi for Manan Vohra

The only other likely way is that RCB drop Moeen Ali and bring back Brendon McCullum at the top of the order. This will leave Bangalore with one bowler short. The deficiency can be taken care of dropping English all-rounder Moeen Ali.

Ali had a decent game with the ball other night and bowled three economical overs. However, the pitch at Bangalore was assisting the spinners and the ball was gripping in the wicket. However, to strike balance he can be sacrificed and Indian all-rounder Pawan Negi can be picked in his place.

ABD to lead RCB in Kohli’s absence

In the absence of Virat Kohli is expected to lead the RCB side. ABD  has not led the RCB team till now and this will be the first time that this will happen.

On a personal front, AB de Villers had put up an ordinary performance in the IPL by his standard. He has played a couple of signature knocks but struggled to maintain consistency.

Probable Playing XI

AB de Villiers (c), Sarfaraz Khan, Yuzvendra Singh Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Brendon McCullum,  Mohammed Siraj, Colin De Grandhomme, Parthiv Patel (wk), Mandeep Singh, Pawan Negi and Tim Southee