IPL 6: Match 57 - DD vs RCB - Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview

Fresh from David Miller’s onslaught in their last match, when the KXIP batsman hit 101 runs off just 38 balls to win the game from almost an impossible position, RCB will be hoping to revive their fortunes against a struggling Delhi Daredevils side today at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Delhi.

With another 4 matches to go for RCB in the league stage, they need to win at least 2 of them for a confirmed place in the play-offs. Considering Delhi’s poor form, they might well be in with more than a chance to bag 2 more points today. However, RCB’s away from home woes might return to haunt them again.

Delhi has some match winners in their squad and when they fire, it’s a different side on offer. You never know what they may come up with today. They are languishing in the 8th place on the points table with only 3 wins this season. On the other hand, RCB are delicately placed 4th with 7 wins so far.

RCB’s batting has not been a cause of concern so far with all of their batsmen delivering more often than not. Chris, the ‘Gaylestorm’ has been simply merciless on the opposition bowlers and has been providing RCB with the quickfire starts at the top.

Skipper Virat Kohli showed some ominous form at the start of the season, but has not been at his best off late. Cheteshwar Pujara returned from an injury break in the last game, and looked impressive during his 51-run knock.

The new Mr. Cricket AB de Villiers has been magical with his brilliant stroke-making during the death overs, leaving the fans simply awestruck. The likes of Saurabh Tiwary and Moises Henriques are very useful down the order, and will be expected to score some quick runs if needed.

Regarding RCB’s bowling, it has definitely been a very big cause of concern, and is the main reason why RCB are losing most of their away games. All the bowlers went for plenty in the last game, and will be expected to come out with a better game plan this time.

Vinay Kumar, who has been their pick of the bowlers this season has been chipping in with some crucial breakthroughs, but his economy rate has slightly been on the upper side. Ravi Rampaul and RP Singh will have to take the responsibility of not allowing DD to get off a flier. Moises Henriques, with his slow mediums can prove to be quite a handful on a tricky pitch at Delhi.

Murali Kartik has been doing well in patches and might play today’s match considering the lack of options in the spin department. They all need to get their act together against an unpredictable but fearsome DD batting, comprising the likes of Virender Sehwag, Mahela Jayawardene and David Warner.

Conditions:

Pitch in Delhi has been reasonably good for batting this season. However, it has been tricky during the first few overs, but settles down well in the second innings. Smallish ground dimensions here can add to the woes of the bowlers.

Head to head:

Win-loss ratio is even as Delhi won 5 out of the 10 games played between the two sides so far. RCB too have came out on top on 5 occasions.

Key Players:

Chris Gayle - This Jamaican powerhouse will be hoping to provide another Gaylestorm today. He is presently second on the list of highest run scorers in this IPL, just behind CSK’s Michael Hussey.

AB de Villiers - His contributions down the order have been very significant for RCB this year. With his quickfire cameos in the death overs, he is definitely the player DD would be wary of. His brilliant fielding skills makes him one of the most valued players for RCB.

RCB’s strategy:

Facing some woes in defending targets lately and considering the pitch settling down well during the second innings, RCB should look to field first upon winning the toss. With quite a few big hitters in their squad, they definitely have the mettle to chase down any score put up by DD.

Possible XI:

They are likely to keep the core of the team same for today’s match as well. But, their disastrous performance with the ball in the last game might prompt them to make one or two changes in their bowling department.

Cheteshwar Pujara, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Sourabh Tiwary, Moises Henriques, Arun Karthik, Ravi Rampaul, Murali Kartik/Syed Mohammad, Vinay Kumar and RP Singh/Jaydev Unadkat.