Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings, Match 60, IPL 2022: Fantasy Preview

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 60 of IPL 2022. It is a crucial game for both sides as both teams are in the hunt for the playoffs without a confirmed spot. With 14 points in 12 matches, RCB are much closer to the playoffs. PBKS, however, are running out of time and need to win all their remaining games to 16 points.  

Ground Details and Team Combination

The Brabourne Stadium is back in action after a week’s break. The average run-rate at this venue is 9.2, almost a run better than any other venue this season. Consequently, the average score batting first is also 177. 

A 46 percent win record for sides batting first here underlines Brabourne as a venue where toss has played a negligible role. Therefore, top-order batters of both sides are paramount without depending on the toss. 

On the bowling front, the high-scoring nature of the venue should mean it’s a graveyard for the bowlers. However, the spinners have picked 37% of wickets here, the highest proportion among all venues. The wrist-spinners have had their say despite the flat nature of the surface. Both sides have quality leg-spinners in Wanindu Hasaranga and Rahul Chahar. 

Team Suggestion

The team we've picked has a good mix of world-class batters and bowlers. But remember, while you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing 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.

Captain Selection

Faf du Plessis has picked up his form. Despite five single-digit scores, he is among the top five run-scorers this season, averaging a handy 35.4. He has an excellent record against the Punjab franchise as well, averaging 63.8 against them at a strike rate of 146.3. 

Our Criclytics Player Projection predicts du Plessis to score 28-42 runs in this match

X-Factors

Rajat Patidar has showcased excellent since his return to the RCB XI. He has scored 137 runs while batting in the top-order, averaging 34.3. In his previous match at Brabourne, he mustered a flawless 52 off 32 balls, announcing himself in the season. 

Our Criclytics Player Projection predicts Patidar to score 28-42 runs in this match

Jonny Bairstow has struggled for form this season but he is back at the top of the order. As a result, Bairstow has shown signs of improvement. He scored a handy 56 in Punjab’s previous match. Given his credentials at the top of the order in white-ball cricket, he is too big a risk to ignore in your fantasy XI. 

Our Criclytics Player Projection predicts Bairstow to score 16-24 runs in this match

Here are the top-10 picks as per Criclytics projected points-

Probable XIs

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