Following a ten-day hiatus due to heightened tension between India and Pakistan, the Indian Premier League returns this Saturday. In an important match set for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face off against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Currently positioned second in the standings with sixteen points from eleven games, RCB needs a victory to ensure they make it into the playoffs. Meanwhile, KKR, who sit in sixth place, have to win to maintain their chances of progressing further in the tournament. This interruption halted the progress of both squads; prior to the pause, RCB was riding high on a four-game winning run, whereas KKR secured wins in two out of their previous three encounters.
RCB seem more prepared for the resumption of play, as captain Rajat Patidar has returned to training following a finger injury, and important international players such as Phil Salt, Tim David, and Liam Livingstone have rejoined the team. Nonetheless, the ongoing issues with Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Hazlewood continue to be worries.
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Attention will focus on Virat Kohli after his unexpected announcement of retiring from Tests. Spectators are likely to demonstrate their backing by dressing in white attire; however, Kohli will depend on his internal drive to put up an impressive display.
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The team's difficulties stem from erratic batting performance, with just Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi demonstrating consistent form. Despite this, their bowling lineup remains strong; however, they face an additional hurdle because Moeen Ali is out sick.
RCB vs KKR: Pitch Report
The Chinnaswamy pitch has so far favoured the bowlers, offering unexpected assistance in the form of bounce for pacers and bite for spinners. However, the extended break and the onset of the monsoon may have altered its behaviour, prompting teams to reassess and adapt their strategies accordingly.
RCB vs KKR: Predicted XIs
Predicted starting lineup for Royal Challengers Bangalore: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma/Liam Livingstone
Kolkata Knight Riders predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy
Impact Sub: Anukul Roy
RCB versus KKR: Latest Bangalore Weather Update
The resumption of the IPL in Bangalore could be marred by weather-related issues, as thunderstorms and rainfall are anticipated on Saturday evening. The probability of rain peaks during game time—71% at 7 PM, 69% at 8 PM, and 49% at 9 PM—which suggests potential delays and breaks in play. However, conditions might ease up later, with a reduced chance of precipitation down to 34% by 11 PM. In summary, both players and spectators should prepare for a damp and unpredictable night ahead.
RCB versus KKR: Live Stream Information
The clash between RCB and KKR will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 pm. Viewers can watch the match on the Star Sports Network or stream it live via JioCinema.
RCB vs KKR squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (captain), Mayank Agarwal, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane (team captain), Manish Pandey, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Luvnith Sisodia, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sunil Narine, André Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Anukul Roy, Venkatesh Iyer, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Umran Malik, Anrich Nortje, Spencer Johnson.
