The 33rd match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 will see Rajasthan Royals (RR) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday (October 17).
In their last meeting, RCB had registered a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over RR and the Virat Kohli-led side are also looking in better shape this time around, having won 5 of their 8 games.
On the other hand, RR are holding the seventh spot in the eight-team points table at the midway stage, with only 3 victories from 8 matches.
However, both the teams have suffered losses in their last outings and will look to bounce back during the showdown in Dubai. For this, they ought to pick the right players in their line-ups.
Therefore, Team COC presents to you the Predicted Playing XIs for the Rajasthan Royals versus Royal Challengers Bangalore match.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
With Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler forging an impressive little partnership at the top in the last match against Delhi Capitals, the English duo is likely to occupy the opening slots against RCB.
Skipper Steve Smith might have recorded 5 single-digit scores in RR’s last 6 games but he is unlikely to demote himself from the No. 3 position. After starting the tournament impressively, Sanju Samson had a series of low scores but the stylish right-hander should continue to bat at the No. 4 spot versus RCB.
Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia failed to finish the job against DC while chasing 162, but the trio is set to retain their places in the middle-order.
Coming to the bowling attack, Jofra Archer should continue to lead the pace attack alongside Jaydev Unadkat and Kartik Tyagi. Ace all-rounder Stokes’ inclusion in the line-up has also bolstered Rajasthan’s fast bowling department. Shreyas Gopal has bowled brilliantly in the last five games and the leg-spinner should be part of the playing XI.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
RCB may have coped an eight-wicket defeat at the hands of Kings XI Punjab in their last fixture, but they are unlikely to tweak their combination which has given them significant success so far.
The pair of Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal will continue to open the innings followed by skipper Virat Kohli. In order to maintain the left-right combination, RCB sent AB de Villiers to bat at No. 6 against KXIP and the move backfired. Hence, it is likely that the South African batting genius will return to his preferred No. 4 slot against RR.
Seam-bowling all-rounders, Shivam Dube and Chris Morris, should bat at No. 5 and 6 respectively with spinning all-rounder Washington Sundar to follow.
When it comes to the bowling attack, Navdeep Saini will spearhead the pace contingent along with Isuru Udana and Mohammed Siraj while Yuzvendra Chahal will be the leading spinner in the playing XI.
Rajasthan Royals COC Predicted Playing XI:
Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Smith (c), Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Shreyas Gopal
Royal Challengers Bangalore COC Predicted Playing XI:
Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Isuru Udana, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
