IPL 2021, KKR vs RCB: Predicted starting lineups

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) started the IPL 2021 with four wins on the trot. However, the Virat Kohli-led unit has stuttered a wee bit after losing two out of their last three games. Even in the game against the Delhi Capitals (DC), they got over the line by a solitary run.

In their next match, they would be up against the Eoin Morgan-led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). After beating them at the Chepauk, the Challengers would be looking to put forth a similar show even at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Knights, on the other hand, lost their previous game at the hands of the Capitals and are placed sixth in the table. They need a win desperately to make their way up the points, but the task won’t be easy against the in-form RCB.

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS (KKR):

Shubman Gill: Time seems to be running out for Gill as he is yet to showcase an impressive batting display. His skill, however, was never in doubt and it is only a matter of time before he starts firing again. He showed glimpses of his talent in the previous match scoring 43.

Nitish Rana: Rana has been KKR’s most consistent batter for a couple of years now, and is in the race for the Orange Cap this season. His incredible start to this edition was diluted as the tournament progressed

Rahul Tripathi: Tripathi played an excellent knock against PBKS as he made 41 off 32 deliveries to stabilize the KKR innings at a time when they were losing quick wickets but failed to get going against DC.

Sunil Narine: The West Indian is not having a good time with the bat and ball this IPL. He has been quite expensive and the batsmen look quite comfortable when he is bowling. 

Eoin Morgan (Captain): Morgan finally got amongst the runs as he played a captain’s knock of 47 runs off 40 deliveries to see his side get over the line against PBKS but a duck against DC showed his problems with consistency.

Andre Russell: A mouth-watering innings against DC scoring 45 in 27 balls gave the KKR side something to defend for, but without support at the back even Dre Russ can’t solve KKR’s troubles. 

Dinesh Karthik (WK): The former skipper of KKR is having a very mixed IPL, scoring those 20’s and 30’s in couple of matches other than that, nothing spectacular.

Pat Cummins: Cummins proved to be KKR’s best bowler int this IPL against DC. Where the DC batsmen were annihilating the KKR bowlers, Pat managed to pick up three top order batsmen which were the only dismissals by KKR in the match.

Shivam Mavi: The youngster had a game to forget, Prithvi Shaw went ballistic on him in the first over. The only over he bowled in the match, conceded 25 runs.

Prasidh Krishna: The pacer is having a decent season, he has been KKR’s second best bowler after Pat Cummins picking up eight wickets so far in the tournament.

Varun Chakravarthy: Arguably KKR’s most consistent spin bowler this season, Chakravarthy picked up seven wickets so far and will look to scalp more against RCB.  

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE (RCB):

Devdutt Padikkal: He became the first RCB batsmen in years to score a hundred other than Kohli, ABD and Chris Gayle. His magnificent knock against RR showed us what a special talent he is. He will look to set the scorecard of fire against the likes of Cummins and Krishna

Virat Kohli: Kohli’s problems with consistency continue as the tournament is heading into its second stage. Kohli is yet to play that fiery innings which gives sets the right momentum heading into the playoffs.

Mohammad Azharuddeen: Yet to make his IPL debut, Azharuddeen will be eyeing his opportunity against KKR. The hard-hitting batsmen from Kerala has impressed with his performances in the domestic level, earning him a spot in the RCB squad.

AB de Villiers: ABD has been in great touch in this IPL, no surprises there. ABD has been an integral part of the RCB camp for years now, his leadership qualities and the talent he posses makes him a dangerous batsmen all over the globe. The fans will be hoping to see some ABD magic against KKR.

Glenn Maxwell: What an addition Maxwell has been to the RCB squad. He looks like a rejuvenated player this season after a horrible season with Punjab last edition. He has already managed to deliver match winning performances, can’t wait to see him go up against KKR bowlers.

Daniel Sams: Made his IPL debut against Delhi Capitals, he looked impressive with the new ball. Will be interesting to watch how Virat will use him.

Washington Sundar: Has failed to emulate his performances from the recently concluded Australia and England series. Hasn’t been great with ball or bat. His performances might just tick every box for RCB this season.

Kyle Jamieson: The tall Kiwi bowler has been very impressive this season. Playing his maiden season of the IPL, he has added immense strength to the RCB bowling department. Kyle has been the quick of bowlers for RCB this season, he might prove to be the solution for RCB’s success this season.

Harshal Patel: What revelation he has been for RCB this season, Harshal continues his incredible bowling at the death, but in the previous 3 matches he has been quite expensive. The holder of purple cap continues to impress everyone with his variations at the back end.

Yuzvendra Chahal:He has failed to make an impact this season, Yuzi has been the best bowler RCB have had over the years. Still trying to make his mark this edition, he will be looking to bag wickets against KKR.

Mohammad Siraj:His improvement in the past 2 years has been massive. Siraj provides RCB with the start they need, he manages to trouble the batsmen with the new ball. He can be the key to get rid of the KKR openers.