The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who still have a mathematical possibility at making it to the play-offs, have headaches of their own. A dominant batting display from Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers helped them stem a two-match losing streak, but one of the most supported franchise haven’t registered back-to-back victories since the 2016 season, where they finished as runners-up.

The death bowling has been a constant factor in their dismal run this season and Kohli will be hoping for a change in fortune – if his team were to stay in the hunt for a play-off berth.

OPENERS:

Quinton de Kock

QDK is back from his friend’s wedding and he could be drafted into the XI as ever since his departure, RCB have found it difficult to stick with one constant opening combination.

Moeen Ali was tried in the last game, but the experiment didn’t work. Getting in QDK will also allow Virat to play Manan Vohra up top who has looked in brilliant touch whenever he has received the opportunity to play.

Manan Vohra

With QDK now back into the setup, he should be able to make his way into the side.

MIDDLE ORDER:

Virat Kohli

Virat was in swash buckling form in front of his home stadium against the DD, he came in at number 3 in the match and toyed with the bowlers big time. He should be amongst the runs today as well and will want to settle some scores with Mujeeb.

AB de Villiers

RCB welcomed the good form of AB De Villiers back into the team after missing out the last couple of games. ABD will walk in after the fall of couple of wickets and would want to continue from where he left. The South African smashed DD bowlers to all parts of the park in a 72-run knock.

Mandeep Singh

Mandeep Singh has been a brilliant finisher for RCB this season, scoring at more than a strike rate of 180 in the final few overs,he will want to continue his good form and provide a flourish to the innings.

ALL ROUNDERS:

Colin De Grandhomme

CDG has become a mainstay for the RCB in the last 2 weeks because of his impressive performances with both the ball and the bat.He will retain his place in the side.

Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar had a memorable Nidahas Trophy with India, but he hasn’t been able to cement his place in the RCB line up. However, he could be of great use for RCB tonight, as he could stifle Gayle during the powerplay overs, spinning the ball away from him.

He should be picked ahead of Sarfaraz as he will be able to provide some balance to the side and also because of the fact that Sarfaraz hasn’t done much with the bat in this IPL.

BOWLERS:

Tim Southee

RCB have stuck with Tim Southee after he replaced Chris Woakes into the starting line-up,the last match was a match to forget for the Kiwi who leaked 40 runs in his 4 overs,he will be looking to improve in that aspect.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has been RCB’s best bowler so far he has given RCB the perfect start while bowling but has not been effective enough in the death. Kohli will look to use him in the intial overs where he can pick up wickets from his swing bowling.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Going only at a rate of 7 in the previous match and picking up two important wickets in the powerplay, Kohli can expect to have a economical bowler in the form of Chahal.

Mohammed Siraj

Continuous confidence in Siraj from Kohli has helped him learn throughout the season and seems to have become a more effective bowler at the death after working on his Yorkers for the end overs.