They are at number three in the points table with 10 points. On the other hand, PBKS are struggling in the lower half of the order. They are down at the number six position, with two wins and four losses, and a total of four points.
In their previous encounter, RCB faced a stubborn challenge from Delhi Capitals (DC). After a close contest, RCB hung on and emerged victorious by a solitary run. As for PBKS, they went down to another suffering franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), by five wickets. RCB will be favourites going into Friday’s match. PBKS will have to lift their game significantly to challenge Virat Kohli’s men.
RCB’s batting has gone off the boil a bit in the last couple of games. After being trampled by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), they were rescued by the genius of AB de Villiers again against DC. Skipper Kohli is yet to get a big score under his belt while Devdutt Padikkal has been unable to build on his sensational hundred against Rajasthan Royals. The number three position remains a worry as no player has been able to grasp the opportunity.
RCB have been impressive with the ball. While Harshal Patel has leaked a few runs, he has also constantly been among the wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Kyle Jamieson have been impactful even when not taking wickets while Yuzvendra Chahal is beginning to find his groove.
PBKS will need to lift their game in all departments. Their batting did not click against KKR as well. KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal haven’t been able to find their consistency, neither have Chris Gayle and Deepak Hooda. Nicholas Pooran has been hugely disappointing. There really is nothing much the bowlers could do after the batsmen’s shoddy show against KKR.
Predicted XIs
Punjab Kings: KL Rahul (C & WK), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), Washington Sundar, AB de Villiers (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Daniel Christian, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Siraj, Navdeep Saini
--Renin Wilben Albert
