An unforgiving schedule, a nearly four-hour-long travel time, and a crushing defeat still fresh in the memory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hardly had the opportunity to unpack their luggage and unravel what happened to them at their home ground, before being sent into a rematch against Punjab Kings (PBKS) less than 48 hours later. RCB now have to recollect themselves at a venue they haven’t ever played at. PBKS, on the other hand, have the opportunity to complete a quick double and storm to the top position on the table.
For all the talks surrounding “revenge week,” this match is less about any vendettas and more about staying ahead in the most competitive phase of the league. RCB are fully aware that a win in this game can get them the boost they need, with their home venue being ever so merciless to them.
Team Overview:
RCB’s top-heavy batting strategy was gashed open in the previous game when Arshdeep Singh removed Phil Salt and Virat Kohli early within the powerplay. Salt and Kohli have been RCB’s best bet in away conditions, giving them strong starts more often than not. But RCB’s overreliance on one of the duo to get things right each time is a big red flag in their campaign. Rajat Patidar’s form against spin (SR 182) is a silver lining for RCB, especially at a venue like Mullanpur. Tim David’s late-innings blitz (his IPL-best 50* off 26) that swayed the game from taking a one-sided road against PBKS could force the side into handing him more responsibility. With Liam Livingstone not firing as RCB expected him to, David might be sent in earlier to bring in the impact he is known for.
Livingstone’s form remains a concern for Bengaluru; with runs going scarce steadily, the noise to slot in Romario Shepherd or Jacob Bethell is getting louder.
RCB’s bowling attack, which is led by Hazlewood and Yash Dayal, remains their most bankable commodity this season in away games, and they would look to use all Mullanpur offers to PBKS’ riot.
PPBKS’ bowling, meanwhile, has started showing signs of life, finally. Yuzvendra Chahal has left behind a dismal start to gather six wickets in two successive games. Add to that Harpreet Brar’s double strike in Bengaluru. And finally, Arshdeep’s resurgence has given them the reputation of an immense powerplay threat for the opposition. Batting-wise, Priyansh Arya’s explosiveness (SR 231 in the first innings) barely has its parallel, though his returns while chasing the targets aren’t as impressive.
Head-to-Head record:
PBKS and RCB have been neck and neck with each other in the 34 IPL games they have played so far. RCB have won 16 out of these games, while PBKS had an edge over them in 18 games.
Weather and Pitch Report:
The tracks in Mullanpur have been cricket’s equivalent of a mood ring as they are unpredictable and vulnerable to sudden changes. The last match at this ground showed a successful defense of a low total, which was barely believable. This suggests the decks hold enough bounce and carry for the pacers to exploit. Batters will need to earn what they put on the board. Dew hasn’t had much of an impact so far, but the sample size is too small to make any conclusions.
Prediction:
RCB’s bowling, top-order, and juju in away games might give them a strong fighting chance. However, if PBKS remain true to the form they have acquired, they’ll be favourites to get this win at home.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
UK: Sky Sports, SkyGo
USA: Willow TV
Australia: Kayo TV, FoxTel Go
Bangladesh: T Sports, Toffee app
New Zealand: Sky Sports NZ
Afghanistan: ATN
South Africa: SuperSport
Sri Lanka: Dialog
MENA: Cricbuzz
