Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started the IPL season on a spree to take down the past champions of the league, one by one. They defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the title-winners of the IPL 2024, in their opening game. Following that, they went after Chennai Super Kings, who won the IPL 2023. Although Gujarat Titans (GT) disrupted their mission by outclassing them at their own home, it did not deter them from their path of hunting down the big guns. Now, they are after the unbeaten Delhi Capitals, who were dethroned from the top spot just a few hours ago.
But will RCB’s shoddy revenge thriller script outdo DC’s unscathed streak? A streak that doesn’t sound too invincible when noting the fact that both teams have an equal number of wins, just that RCB have played one more game, and hence, have a defeat too.
Team Overview:
RCB, in general, look like a very well-rounded team, as has been proved by the results they have managed to script next to their name. Although Phil Salt has been rather middling after his fifty in the first game, Virat Kohli’s brilliance up top makes RCB very difficult to contain, especially in the powerplay. They do have what everyone loves to call a home disadvantage, as their record at home isn’t very impressive, but while they are at smashing old patterns, they might as well overcome that this season too.
Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingston, and Tim David cover the middle-order well enough to not let the fear of collapse lurk near. All four have been exceptional against spin, which, at times, have helped RCB flutter toward victory with ease. Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya are among the serious contenders for the purple cap this season and they would want to stay in the hunt for it by making the most of this home game.
As for DC, they have Faf du Plesdis this season and while he missed the previous game due to a groin strain, he should be fit to play in Bengaluru on Thursday. If he returns, he will open with Jake Fraser-McGurk, and KL Rahul will shift back to his No. 4 position. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav seem like just the right antidote to RCB’s spin-savvy middle-order. And both of them will look to complement the destruction that will be brought in by Mitchell Starc, who has taken 9 wickets at an average of 11.55 this season.
Head-to-Head Record:
RCB and DC have faced off in 32 matches, with RCB leading the chart with 20 wins. DC have won 11 games, and one match ended in a tie.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Chinnaswamy Stadium isn’t a place bowlers particularly enjoy. With short boundaries, a flat surface, and good carry for batters, it usually favours high scores. However, the pitch here also has a reputation for throwing surprises. In the last game, Shubman Gill pointed out how the surface offered early help to pacers before turning into a batting paradise.
The dew factor might not be too impactful, but the toss-winning captain will likely still choose to bowl first.
Prediction:
While the venue may not favour spinners traditionally, DC’s main strength lies in them, and ironically, that might just tilt the match in RCB’s favour.
Where to Watch:
India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar
Pakistan: Tapmad
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
