IPL 2020: Top 3 Picks for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kings XI Punjab

Royal Challengers Bangalore finally won their first game of the season since 2017. Also, Virat Kohli broke the jinx against Sunrisers Hyderabad of losing the first game. In the tough game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Yuzuvendra Chahal turned the tides in the favour of Royal Challengers with two successive wickets in the 16th over. Moreover, the performances from Shivam Dube helped RCB to win the game.

Warning: This image contains excessive amounts of destructive batting. Viewer discretion advised. 🔥🔥🔥#PlayBold #IPL2020 #WeAreChallengers #Dream11IPL pic.twitter.com/7uRHZVJwMw

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) September 24, 2020

Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite the victory, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Virat Kohli have a few concerns too. The batting line-up didn’t click towards the end of the innings and Umesh Yadav went leaking runs. Umesh Yadav conceded at a run rate of 10+ in his quota of four overs. Against the strong batting line-up of KXIP, Virat Kohli will look to address the issue. Probably he would go for Mohammad Siraj if things don’t augur well with Umesh Yadav.

At Dubai International Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore will face a few of their previous players like KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair. Also, they will look to avoid the threat posed by Chris Gayle who didn’t feature against Delhi Capitals. Moreover, the Indian skipper should be wary of the wiliness of Anil Kumble who was once the head coach of Indian National Team. Also, RCB should be worried about Ravi Bishnoi, the young leggie who had a good game against Delhi.

Here are the three players who can once again play a big role in Royal Challengers’ victory against a familiar Punjab side:

#1) AB de Villiers

The South African international displayed and proved why he is indispensable in the shortest format of the game. AB de Villiers scored a quickfire half-century in 30 balls, leading RCB to a decent score who seemed shaky after the dismissal of three wickets.

The Protean has a good record against Kings XI Punjab. In the last season, Royal Challengers were struggling to win a single game and had lost six games out of six games. However, Royal Challengers registered their first victory against Punjab only when AB de Villiers steered them towards the victory. Mr. 360 will look to repeat the same when he faces the Mohal based outfit.

#2) Yuzvendra Chahal

The wily leg-spinner was adjudged Man of the Match after picking three wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. Yuzvendra Chahal was given the 16th over by Virat Kohli in order to make a difference in the game. The player retained skipper’s trust by picking up Jonny Bairstow and Vijay Shankar in successive deliveries. The two wickets tilted the game in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s favour.

The Haryana spinner will look to outfox Kings XI Punjab on Thursday. Kings XI Punjab has a big batting line-up with some explosive middle-order batsmen. Chahal will have a big role to play when both the sides lock their horns at Dubai International Stadium.

#3) Devdutt Padikkal

 

After a successful domestic season in 2019/20, all onus was on the young Karnataka batsman. Not only he delivered with his batting, but Devdutt Padikkal also shined on the field. He saved a few crucial runs on the field which eventually contributed to Royal Challengers’ victory.

Against KXIP, Devdutt will look to continue his fine form after bagging a fifty on his IPL debut. He will look to provide a stable opening partnership and lay the foundation for a big score against KL Rahul led Punjab side.