RCB vs PBKS Match Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to return to winning ways when they host Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, on Monday March 25. RCB lost the first game of the season by six wickets against the Chennai Super Kings. Virat Kohli knows that the time is running out for him to win the IPL trophy with the Bangalore franchise he has been part of since the very beginning. However, this season is a fresh start and the season is just starting. One or two losses shouldn’t define the direction of the whole campaign.
Watch Mohit Sharma Picking An Outrageous Catch
But rolling Punjab Kings over, even at home, won’t be easy. The visitors will be brimming with confidence following a solid win against Delhi Capitals in Mohali. Shikha Dhawan looked in decent touch, Sam Curran gave the team hope that he can add an X Factor, while Arshdeep Singh showed promises.
RCB vs PBKS Match Details
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has always been a batting paradise which is perfectly complimented by the short boundaries. A decent hit and the ball could travel all the way and over the ropes for a six. That’s why the team winning the toss might be inclined to bowl first and have target in their sight.
RCB vs PBKS Head-To-Head Record
This will be the 32nd meeting in the IPL between these two teams. Punjab Kings have won 17 times in those encounters, while RCB won 14 matches.
RCB vs PBKS Predicted Playing 11:
Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted Playing XI
Faf du Plessis(c)
Virat Kohli
Rajat Patidar
Glenn Maxwell
Cameron Green
Dinesh Karthik(w)
Anuj Rawat
Karn Sharma
Alzarri Joseph
Mayank Dagar
Mohammed Siraj
Punjab Kings Predicted Playing XI:
Shikhar Dhawan(c)
Jonny Bairstow
Sam Curran
Liam Livingstone
Jitesh Sharma(w)
Shashank Singh
Harpreet Brar
Harshal Patel
Kagiso Rabada
Rahul Chahar
Arshdeep Singh
RCB Probable highest scorer: Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis
It’s easier to guess who could be the highest scorer for RCB in any match. Almost 8 out of 10 RCB games are dominated by either Virat Kohli or captain Faf du Plessis when it comes to scoring runs.
Virat Kohli looked rusty at times in the first game against CSK, and that was understandable considering he has been away from action for almost two months. But expect him to come into his own at this flat track at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Faf Du Plessis smashed 8 boundaries on his way to 35 runs in just 23 balls. The former South African star plays only one way, and that is to take the game away from the opponent.
PBKS Probable Highest Scorer: Jonny Bairstow
England star hit two boundaries in the first three balls against Delhi Capitals. He looked in an ominous form but was undone by a bad call as he was run out. Bairstow is that kind of player who could change the course of the game if he stays there for 20 balls.
RCB Probable Best Bowler: Mohammed Siraj
Most of RCB’s bowlers looked ineffective against CSK. Mainly because Siraj struggled to put any pressure on CSK opening batsmen. Siraj is far better than his numbers in the first IPL 2024 game and we back to deliver here with at least one wicket.
PBKS Probable Best Bowler: Arshdeep Singh
Took two wickets against Delhi Capitals. Produced some good yorkers at the back end of the match. The 25-year-old can test both Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis in this match.
Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match Between RCB vs PBKS
As per Google Indicator, RCB are likely to win this game. The home team has 55% chance while the visitors are being backed with a 45% chance of winning this match. We are going with the same projection and back RCB to win this match.
Disclaimer: The above match prediction is based on the data and instincts of the writer. While picking players for your team, consider the points mentioned above, and make your own wise decision.