Punjab face in-form RCB in their long trudge towards playoffs

Time is running out for Punjab Kings. Like Delhi Capitals, they have not managed two wins together throughout their stop-start campaign. As a result, they have no room for a slip-up. They need to win all their remaining three games. Their negative net run rate also needs an improvement so they have to win at least one of them in a convincing manner. 

On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have picked up after a bump in the middle. Bangalore have overpowered three successive defeats with back-to-back wins. It is also the clinical manner of those wins that gives them a dominant look. Although their spot in the playoffs is still not confirmed: with two matches in hand, they still need at least one win. Given they also have a negative net run rate, they might also want to secure wins in both their remaining games. Hence, this game holds importance for both sides, but a bit more for Punjab’s chances. 

Pieces coming together for RCB 

As said above, it is the clinical manner of the last two wins that lend Bangalore a ‘bold’ texture. All the little pieces in their balance have come together. Dinesh Karthik has gained his touch back, contributing in his own way. In the last two games, he has scored 56 off 25 balls. All these runs have come at the back end of the innings without getting out. At the top, skipper Faf du Plessis has clicked in both games at an excellent strike rate (154.2). Rajat Patidar and Mahipal Lomror have sealed the spots available for young Indian talent.

With the ball, Glenn Maxwell has been a bonus. Harshal Patel and Josh Hazlewood have snaffled seven wickets for 91 runs between them at an economy of 8 runs per over. But the biggest positive has been Wanindu Hasaranga. 

There is a clear overlap in Hasaranga and Bangalore’s form, establishing a directly proportional relationship in outcomes for the two parties. Over the last four games, the Sri Lankan leg-spinner has grabbed 10 wickets at an economy of only 6.7, choking the opposition during the middle-overs. 

Except the form of Virat Kohli and Mohammad Siraj, everything has come together for Bangalore in the last two games. 

Punjab’s batting under examination

The explosive outlook of Punjab’s batting made them the hot favorites for playoffs in the pre-tournament anticipation. However, it hasn’t clicked as expected. Since chasing down 206 against Bangalore in their season opener, their batters haven’t won them enough games. Their tournament average is the third lowest. 

The root cause is the underwhelming performance from Mayank Agarwal and Jonny Bairstow. Mayank averages 19.6 this year while Bairstow lingers at 17. Their substandard numbers have unduly asked Shikhar Dhawan to carry the innings in every game. Dhawan's average of 98.7 in Punjab’s five wins and only 14.7 in the six defeats tells the tale. 

At Brabourne, the venue for Match 60, Punjab average only 17.9 runs per wicket, 10 runs lower than their average at any other venue this season. Overall, Brabourne is the most batting friendly ground in IPL this year with an average run rate of 9.2 runs per over. In Bangalore, they have to tackle one of the most professional bowling units of IPL 2022. 

The contest

Faf du Plessis vs Kagiso Rabada (28 balls, 31 runs, 3 wickets)

As said above, du Plessis has picked up his form. Against Punjab, however, he will have to neutralize the threat of his countryman, Kagiso Rabada at the start of his innings. The right-arm pacer has an edge over his former South Africa skipper, dismissing him thrice in 31 balls in T20 cricket. 

Rabada has shown exceptional form this season. He is the highest wicket-taker among pacers in IPL 2022. Moreover, he is among wickets in every phase of the innings, unlike the yesteryears when powerplay wickets deserted him. 

On the other hand, du Plessis has an excellent record against Punjab (average 63.8). But this will be the first time he will be facing Rabada wearing the colors of one of his favorite opponents.

Probable XIs

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Bangalore have found their best XI and there is no reason they won’t stick with it without a confirmed qualification. 

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Shabaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Siraj

Punjab Kings

With the pitches slowing down, it is probably the right time to bring Harpreet Brar back in the side. Considering Bangalore's right-handed heavy batting line-up, there is no better fixture for the left-arm spinner to return. 

Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mayank Agarwal (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma

Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Date & Time: May 13, 07:30 PM IST