As the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) approaches, both teams are focusing on addressing areas for improvement despite coming off wins in their previous games. RCB’s recent victory over Punjab Kings and KKR’s success against Sunrisers Hyderabad have given them a positive start, but issues persist, especially concerning their batting performance.
RCB is looking to strengthen their top and middle-order batting, with players like Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Rajat Patidar yet to hit their stride. While Virat Kohli’s fifty against Punjab was a highlight, the team’s reliance on late contributions from Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror highlights the need for more consistent performances. The bowling unit, led by Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal, has shown promise but may benefit from the addition of Reece Topley to address Alzarri Joseph’s inconsistencies.
Similarly, KKR is facing challenges in batting consistency, with key players like Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, and Sunil Narine struggling in the previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. While lower-order batsmen like Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, and Andre Russell made crucial contributions, the team is aiming for a stronger showing from the top and middle-order batsmen. With Mitchell Starc and Varun Chakravarthy finding it tough to contain runs, KKR’s bowling lineup may require adjustments, possibly considering bringing in leg-spinner Suyash Sharma.
Both teams are eager to make improvements quickly as they gear up for a competitive match. Let’s look at the probable XI for both RCB and KKR as they seek to maintain their momentum in the IPL:
RCB likely XI if batting first: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Anuj Rawat, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik, Mahipal Lomror, Reece Topley, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj
RCB likely XI if bowling first: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Anuj Rawat, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Reece Topley, Mayank Dagar, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal
Key impact players for RCB: Yash Dayal, Dinesh Karthik, Karn Sharma, Akash Deep
KKR likely XI if batting first: Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy
KKR likely XI if bowling first: Phil Salt, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Suyash Sharma
Key impact players for KKR: Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Chetan Sakariya
