IPL 2021: Match 16, RCB v RR – COC Predicted Playing XIs

RCB are table toppers with 3 wins in 3 matches, while RR are placed on 6th spot.

The 16^th match of the IPL 2021 will be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on April 22, 2021. The match will be played at 7.30 PM IST.

Rajasthan Royals are placed at 6^th spot in IPL 2021 points table, while Royal Challengers Bangalore are at the top of the table with three wins in three matches thus far. This will be RCB’s first match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, who have played their previous three matches in Chepauk, Chennai.

Keeping this in mind, TEAM COC presents the Predicted Playing XIs for the RCB v RR match to be played in Mumbai.

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE (RCB)

For the first time in their IPL history, the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team has won its first three matches in the tournament and is at the top of the points table in IPL 2021.

They have made required changes to their playing XI, but have managed to get their middle order in place this time and have multiple options in bowling areas, be it pace or spin.

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Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal have played some decent knocks, but are yet to score something substantial and put on a big score upfront.

However, the dirty work is done by Glenn Maxwell in the middle order, while AB de Villiers is finishing the innings like only he can and has embraced the finisher’s role wholeheartedly.

The only possible change to their playing XI may be that Rajat Patidar goes out and Dan Christian comes in because his all-around skills may come in handy at Mumbai.

Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, and Mohammed Siraj have formed a very good fast bowling trio, while Yuzvendra Chahal is back to picking wickets and Shahbaz Ahmed and Washington Sundar have provided him good support.

RCB will look to continue their winning run, given their opponents' many problems.

RAJASTHAN ROYALS (RR)

Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals (RR) are suffering from many issues including injuries and bubble fatigue which has resulted in them losing 3 out of their 4 England players, with Liam Livingstone being the latest to return home.

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They need to change their opening combination as Jos Buttler is under pressure to hit from the start as Manan Vohra is not able to get going from ball one. This might see Yashasvi Jaiswal coming in for Vohra, which will also provide RR with a left-right combo at the top and a possible leg-spinner as well.

Another problem for them has been the absence of any power-hitter in the middle order barring David Miller. Shivam Dube came in with a reputation but has been unable to hit sixes or boundaries despite playing on Wankhede surface, his home ground. Same issues with Riyan Parag, who is not a power hitter, leaving David Miller to do the dirty work alone.

Too much is expected from Rahul Tewatia, both as a hitter and as a leg-spinner, given that he is the only specialist spinner in the XI.

However, RR has found a good balance in their fast bowling department with Chris Morris teaming up with three left-armer pacers in Chetan Sakariya who has impressed a lot, along with Mustafizur Rahman and Jaydev Unadkat.

RR needs to get into winning ways or they might end up in the bottom rung of the points table once again.

RCB COC Predicted Playing XI:

Virat Kohli (C), Devdutt Padikkal, Shahbaz Ahmed, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Dan Christian, Kyle Jamieson, Washington Sundar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

RR COC Predicted Playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (C&WK), Shivam Dube, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman