FANTASY PREVIEW
Follow UsRoyal Challengers Bangalore will take on Delhi Capitals in Match 20 of the Indian Premier League 2023 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday (April 15). The two franchises have struggled so far in this competition. Delhi have lost all their four encounters, while Bangalore have managed to win just one of their three games.
Ground details
Like always, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a paradise for batters this season. The batters here have scored runs at a scoring rate of 10.1 and an average of 38.4, while a wicket has fallen every 22.9 deliveries. In the bowling department, the seamers (average 32.7, SR 20.1, economy 9.7) have better numbers than spinners (average 52.4, SR 31.2, economy 10.1). However, it would be ideal to have one wristspinner in your team.
Suggested teams
While you could go for the above team, you can also choose your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.
Captaincy suggestions
Small Leagues: David Warner (capt), Virat Kohli (vice-capt)
Grand Leagues: Faf du Plessis (capt), Axar Patel (vice-capt)
Stats that matter
Delhi have been in terrible form this year but their skipper David Warner is currently the second-leading run-scorer in this tournament. The left-hander opener has three half-centuries in four innings. His strike rate has been a concern but that shouldn’t bother us. On top of that, Warner has over 800 runs against RCB at an average of 45.56 and a strike rate of 161.4.
Virat Kohli is back amongst runs and the world seems a better place. In IPL 2023, the batting maestro has 164 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 147.75. Against Delhi Capitals, Kohli has an average of 51.39 and a strike rate of 134.1 in 25 innings.
The batters are most likely going to dictate terms in this encounter but someone like Mohammed Siraj could always make an impact. In the previous game against Lucknow, where more than 420 runs were scored, the right-arm seamer picked up 3/22 in his four overs.
Grand League punts
175 runs at an average of 87.5 and a strike rate of 173.27 - Faf du Plessis has started this season with a bang. The RCB skipper has been solid against spin since 2022, operating at an average of 47.2.
Axar Patel has been phenomenal in the batting department since 2022. In 14 innings, the left-hander has slammed 290 runs at an average of 36.25 and a strike rate of 157.6. Even in the last game against Mumbai, Axar smoked 54 off 25 while all other DC batters struggled. And, we all know how vulnerable Kohli, du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell could be against left-arm spin.
Predicted XIs
Bangalore - Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Anuj Rawat, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey/Wayne Parnell, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj.
Delhi - Prithvi Shaw, David Warner (c), Mitchell Marsh, Manish Pandey, Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Abishek Porel (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar.
