Every IPL team forms a habit of it’s own which then becomes a part of that team’s DNA and no matter how much they chop and change their side, it sticks with them. RPSG are developing a very bad habit of starting games strongly but always losing the plot in the middle overs and then looking clueless in the field while defending a below par score.
Advertisement
The day started with Kings XI Punjab exposing the middle order frailties of the Gujarat Lions who when put into unfamiliar territory just didn’t know how to respond. Axar Patel ran through their middle order with one of the finest T20 bowling spells, which included a fine hat trick. Kings XI finally registered a victory and maybe, just maybe, the captaincy change had something to do with it. Well probably not in terms of the actual decisions made but sometimes you just need to mix things up a little when nothing is going your way.
In the evening game, RPSG started things strongly but as I said they lost the plot in the middle overs and then just didn’t have the bowling firepower to stop a determined Rohit Sharma.
As Dhoni said in the post match presentation, all RPSG can do right now is play without any fear and hope that things start falling into place for them. Mumbai on the other hand would be really happy with 3 wins in a row and look all set to make it to the playoffs this year as well(maybe without the heart attacks this time).
Let’s get to business now!
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Transfer out: Rohit Sharma, Steve Smith, DJ Bravo, MuruganAshwin
Transfer in: ViratKohli, ABD, Colin Munro(if he is picked), YuziChahal/Iqbal Abdullah/Harshal Patel
RCB are back in their den and they would love to turn things around in front of their home crowd. But for that their bowling unit will have to dig deep, find inspiration from somewhere and then execute their plans to perfection.
Like GL yesterday, KKRs weak middle order was exposed the last time round and they would want to make a few changes for this game considering the high scoring Chinnaswamy stadium.
Now, I already have Robin Uthappa and Andre Russell in my team for this game.
The two obvious choices for this game would be Virat and ABD. The Chinnaswamy pitch elevates these two batting stalwarts to a different level and thus you can’t leave them out. They have time and again proved their worth and I expect them to do that tomorrow as well.
Gayle could return to the starting 11 tomorrow but I don’t think I’ll want to get him in at a stage when he could be rusty, especially seeing that RCB do not have a game after this for sometime. Shane Watson also does not get the nod because of him not playing another game in quick succession.
The only other player that I would consider bringing into my team is Colin Munro. I am very sure the KKR team management would draft him in for tomorrow’s game considering the short boundaries in Banagalore and the flat track on offer. Also, KKRs middle order debacle the last time round would force them to tinker a bit with their team setup and that is where Munro would come in. Also, KKR play two games in the space of 3 matches, which makes his selection an even more exciting option. But if for some reason Munro still doesn’t make the 11, just make the two transfers for this game
For the uncapped player, I get in Iqbal Abdullah/Yuzvendra Chahal or Harshal Patel, whoever gets a game. My first choice would be Yuzi Chahal, followed by Iqbal Abdullah and then Harshal Patel. I cannot get in any batsmen because of the combination problem.
Batting captain: AB de Villiers(if RCB bat first)/ViratKohli(if RCB bat second)
Bowling captain: Andre Russell
Happy team picking!
