Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals face each other in match number 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season on Tuesday. RCB are placed fifth, sealing five wins and three losses from eight games. Meanwhile, RR are third with five wins and two losses from seven games. One expects a cracker of a contest between the two sides.
This is a crucial game for both sides as they seek two valuable points.
Analysis of RCB
After being dismissed for 68 in the previous game versus SRH, the Challengers have to bounce back. Anuj Rawat has failed to get going and he could be dropped. This could see the struggling Virat Kohli open alongside Faf du Plessis. Kohli has got two golden ducks and is having a poor season. Perhaps opening would suit him. RCB need to come up with the goods in the middle-order. Skipper Faf has to bring his A game as well. RCB have to bat well if they are to stand any chance of putting up a fight.
In terms of bowling, Josh Hazlewood has been the star for RCB since coming on. He has support from Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel. In the spin department, Wanindu Hasaranga and Shahbaz Ahmed have to be wary of the RR batters’ strengths in terms of playing spin. Shimron Hetmyer can be lethal with his superior skills and ability.
Analysis of RR
RR have won their last two games by scoring plenty of runs. They have scored in excess of 200 before restricting the opposition teams. They sealed two close wins over KKR and DC respectively. RR will once again ride on Jos Buttler’s heroics. He has been exceptional so far; scoring runs aplenty. Buttler has already smacked three tons. The likes of Sanju Samson, Hetmyer and Devdutt Padikkal have chipped in as well. Their collective show make RR a special side in terms of batting.
With the ball, RR will rely a lot on Yuzvendra Chahal. He is the Purple Cap holder this season. Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna will back themselves to make things tougher for RCB. R Ashwin will want to exploit with his mean offerings. RR have a quality balanced attack on offer and that can test RCB’s mettle.
Head-to-head record
Out of 25 meetings, RCB have tasted success on 13 occasions. RR have claimed 10 wins. Two matches didn’t have any result. RCB beat RR earlier this season and will fancy a double.
What is the expected playing XI of both sides?
RCB predicted playing XI: Faf du Plessis (captain), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudessai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Luvnith Sisodia/Mahipal Lomror, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj.
RR predicted playing XI: Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (captain and wicket-keeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Karun Nair, Riyan Parag, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Which team is the predicted winner?
With what we have seen in terms of performance, both sides will have a shout in terms of a win here. RCB beat RR in the previous game this season, however, given RR’s form and Buttler’s magical run with the bat, we fancy RR to get the win here. RCB are struggling with the bat a bit and that’s what can put them into trouble.
Key details about the pitch, timing, and TV listing
The MCA Stadium in Pune will host this affair. Six matches have been played at MCA in IPL 2022, with the chasing side winning thrice. The wicket here averages close to 180 in the first innings. Pacers have enjoyed more than spinners.
The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Viewers can stream the same on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription). The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.
The major batting stats on offer
Buttler has smashed 491 runs in IPL 2022 and needs seven more to register a mark of 500. He is averaging 81.83 at the moment. Buttler has 298 runs versus RCB. Overall, the Englishman has 2,459 runs and is closing in on 2,500. Faf has 3,190 runs and is set to get past Yusuf Pathan (3,204).
The major bowling stats on offer
Harshal Patel has 87 wickets, including 9 this season. Chahal has 18 scalps this season and an overall tally of 157. Hasaranga has taken 11 wickets at 20.18 this season. Boult has 83 wickets and needs three more to get past Albie Morkel.
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 1)
Batsmen: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Dinesh Karthik, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Faf du Plessis
All-rounders: Shahbaz Ahmed
Bowlers: R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood.
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 2)
Batsmen: Dinesh Karthik, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Shimron Hetmyer, Suyash Prabhudessai, Devdutt Padikkal
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell
Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, Prasidh Krishna.
Dream11 Fantasy XI: Captain and vice-captain choices
Jos Buttler: With 491 runs and a strike rate of 161.51, Buttler is enjoying a different phase altogether. He can be massive versus RCB and change the game. Buttler has batted at a different level this season.
Dinesh Karthik: A sheer versatile player, Karthik has been brilliant so far, being the perfect match-winner. He failed in the last game but is expected to make things work. This could be another game where he enjoys himself and brings value. He has a strong average and healthy strike rate.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
Y Chahal: The wrist-spinner has claimed 18 wickets in IPL 2022. He took a fifer versus KKR before doing well against DC too. Against his former side RCB, expect Chahal to stand strong and pick crucial wickets.
Glenn Maxwell: The Aussie international can have maximum impact and be the desired match-winner. He brings so much to the side, and his experience will be vital. Maxwell can power RCB to good totals.