IPL Match Prediction: RCB a batting power- house, but SRH’s balance and depth gives them the edge
THE ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE will take on the challenge of Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore tomorrow. The hosts who finished the previous season at No.3 on the points table will be itching to get their hands on the coveted trophy for the very first time. On the other hand, the visitors unfortunately, couldn’t make the cut into the playoffs and finished No.6.
However, both teams have made a few changes coming into this season of the IPL and would be keen on bettering their results going ahead. The hosts will be delighted to have the services of champion all-rounder Shane Watson. The Aussie, who retired from the game a few weeks ago after his WT20 stint, will provide the much-needed balance for RCB.
Meanwhile, SRH too have made some interesting moves by strengthening their fast bowling department by absorbing Indian lead pacer Ashish Nehra and Bangladeshi sensation Mustafizur Rahman.
On paper, Bangalore have more firepower in their batting with Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. However, their bowling which has been an area of concern over the past few years might continue to struggle after the injury to speedster Mitchell Starc and spinner Samuel Badree.
Starc’s participation in the IPL remains in doubt, but that will present Kiwi quickie, Adam Milne the responsibility of leading the attack. As far as spin bowling goes, Yuzvendra Chahal, who enjoyed a successful season last year will once again shoulder the responsibility.
On the other hand, Sunrisers have added more depth to their batting with the inclusion of some Indian domestic stars. While David Warner, Shikhar Dhawan, Kane Williamson will lead the batting, Deepak Hooda, Naman Ojha and Aditya Tare will ensure they pack a punch in the lower order. However, the extra variety and depth in the bowling could very well make the difference for the Sunrisers.
SRH will pin their hopes on Nehra, Trent Boult, Rahman and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar coming good. However, their spin department could come under fire, with only Karn Sharma as the front-line spinner.
Pitch and Conditions:
The Bangalore wicket traditionally favours the batsmen and with both teams having a power-packed batting line-up, we could see a flurry of fours and sixes. Moreover, the altitude and the fast outfield will further see the scoreboard ticking at a ridiculous rate. There is no rain predicted for the game and it will be interesting to see what the captains decide at the toss. Given RCB’s impressive run while chasing, Virat Kohli might stick to his tried and tested ploy.
Overseas players who could make the playing 11:
RCB will little issues in deciding their four overseas professionals. Gayle, de Villiers and Watson will be the automatic choice. And, the fourth spot could be decided between David Wiese and Milne. However, going by the current form and extra pace, the Kiwi might get the nod ahead of the South African.
For SRH, Warner, Williamson, Boult should make the cut without much fuss. One of either, all-rounder Moises Henriques or seamer Mustafizur Rahman should take the final spot.
On paper, both sides look very formidable and it appears that we might have a cracker of a game at the Chinnaswamy. RCB will be heavily banking on their power-packed batting. That said, other than the top-4, there isn’t too much depth in the batting and their domestic Indian bowlers too are prone to travelling the distance.
However, the Royal Challengers might still fancy their chances of winning in front of their home crowd, but the Sunrisers with more balance and depth in both departments might have enough to leave the Garden City with a win under their belt.
