The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season is set to witness three-time finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore take on two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders in match number 10. The match is set to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. RCB have won both their games here and the bowling performance needs to be lauded. The Virat Kohli-led side has been a good watch with the ball, sealing two close victories. Meanwhile, KKR started well against SRH in Chennai before losing from a winning position against the Mumbai Indians. Both teams know the conditions well now and it’s about executing the plans well.
For the RCB, they beat MI by two wickets before sealing a six-run win against the Orange Army. With four points from two matches, RCB are the only unbeaten side. Moreover, they beat KKR in both matches last season and have sealed three successive victories against them. The confidence factor will be riding high for Kohli & Co. and that will be of huge significance.
For KKR, they had two good performances with the ball at the Chepauk so far. They have claimed 15 scalps in the first two games to highlight the strengths. However, after a neat batting show against SRH, the Eoin Morgan-led side faltered badly against MI. From a winning position and just 31 to get from last 30 balls, KKR lost the game by 10 runs. They need to address the concerns in batting and make sure a similar show isn’t repeated.
Here we present all the concerned details to guide you through.
Key details of the match
The match is set to be held at the Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It’s scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the action live on the Star Sports Network in their preferred languages. One can also stream the match live on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription).
Here’s the preview
RCB will count upon Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in terms of runs. Both players have a good record against KKR in the IPL. This will be an opportunity for Devdutt Padikkal to make an impact. The youngster fumbled in his first match against SRH after missing the opener. Along with Kohli, Padikkal can be dangerous at the top. The positive factor for RCB is the form of Glenn Maxwell. The Aussie international was a major flop last season for Punjab but in both the games this season, he proved to be a match-winner. RCB bowlers have been terrific. The biggest plus is Harshal Patel, who looks determined to get the maximum in the death overs. Kyle Jamieson and Mohammed Siraj have been highly impressive as well. If RCB get a collective show going, they could trouble the KKR batsmen who can be shaky.
For KKR, the form of Nitish Rana has been a delightful affair so far. Rana has slammed two consecutive fifties and is their in-form player. However, he needs to keep his wicket and try to bat till the very end. Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi promise plenty for KKR and they can contribute well in the top-order. KKR’s middle-order looks shaky and RCB will target the same. The likes of Eoin Morgan, Shakib Al Hasan, and Andre Russell have struggled at the Chepauk and that’s an area that needs addressing. The bowling has worked well for KKR and the unit has done a decent job so far. They were excellent against MI the other day. Andre Russell stood out with five scalps. To be on the hunt, KKR need a similar approach from the bowlers.
Probable playing XIs: RCB vs KKR
KKR probable playing XI:
Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Pat Cummins, Harbhajan Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy
RCB probable playing XI:
Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), Washington Sundar, AB de Villiers (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Christian, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Dream11 team prediction (option 1)
Batsmen: AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan
Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Harshal Patel, Harbhajan Singh
Dream11 team prediction (option 2)
Batsmen: AB de Villiers, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Shakib Al Hasan,
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Kyle Jamieson, Pat Cummins, Mohammed Siraj
Which players can be the top picks in the Dream11 team?
Nitish Rana, AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli should be the top picks in the Dream11 Fantasy side. Rana has been superb so far and has been comfortable. Kohli and ABD are the two dark horses in this RCB side and can power the team past KKR.
Glenn Maxwell impressed in both the games for RCB and could be the game changer once again. After a dismal IPL 2020 campaign, Maxwell is slowly showing his credentials as a Million Dollar man. Shakib is a decent pick for his bowling attributes.
In the bowling department, Harshal Patel and Pat Cummins can be the ideal choices. Harshal, in particular, has been highly valuable.
Dream11 fantasy: Captain choices
Nitish Rana: The KKR opener has enjoyed himself in the middle and could once again be a force to be reckoned with. He has looked sharp and explosive at the same time.
Virat Kohli: The Indian captain has a superb record against KKR. He has got two scores of 30-plus in the first two games.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
In terms of vice-captaincy, Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell are two crucial candidates. Maxwell can do an able job in that middle order. He has looked to be more responsible rather than getting carried away. On the other hand, Harshal’s wicket-taking capabilities can be a reason.
Other choices: Cummins, Russell, ABD and Jamieson.
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch will assist bowlers and bowling intelligently would be crucial. Pacers need to vary their lengths and bowl many cutters and slower balls. Batsmen will have their say too but need to look at their foot work and choice of shots. As far as the conditions are concerned, the temperature is set to be around the 35 degree Celsius mark. There is no chance of rainfall and humidity could play its factor. An afternoon game means it will be hot.
MA Chidambaram stats
The average first innings score in the IPL has been 160. The last few games here have seen teams struggle with bowlers doing an able job.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other on 26 occasions. KKR have the edge in terms of wins (14) as RCB have clinched 12 wins.
Match prediction
RCB have been good to watch and are a valuable side. They look better than KKR given the overall impact. We go with a win for RCB.