RCB Vs DC, Match Preview
After crumbling in a small chase against Sunrisers, the Royal Challengers have said goodbye to their hopes of a top two finish. They need to win by a margin of 160+ to make the top two. Failing to make the top two might hurt them, as they now have to be on top of their game through the playoffs. With one game to go, Bangalore will be hoping to gain some momentum and get back in form.
The Delhi Capitals are on twenty points at the moment. They are guaranteed a top two finish, and will finish as table toppers. They still have a few points to look at ahead of the playoffs. Marcus Stoinis’s injury is one concern, and his availability is uncertain. The middle-order balance is another point to look at, as Delhi will hope for Stoinis’s return.
There bowling is doing well, but Ashwin’s inconsistent performances may be another concern ahead of the playoffs.
RCB Vs DC, Team News
After a good start to his IPL career, George Garton bowled some inconsistent lines against Hyderabad. His economy rate was too high on a slow pitch, and Bangalore may look at other options. They have Hasaranga, who can help deepen the batting line-up. Kyle Jamieson is another option, but with the eliminator in Sharjah, Hasaranga is a better option for the slow surface.
The Delhi Capitals only used three overseas players in their previous game. They have Sam Billings back from quarantine, and he could come in for one of the Indian batters. Steve Smith is another option. However, if Marcus Stoinis is fit, he will likely come in and restore the balance in the side.
RCB Vs DC, Predicted XIs
Royal Challengers Bangalore (probable): 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Devdutt Paddikal, 3 Srikar Bharat (wk), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Dan Christian, 7 Shahbaz Ahmed, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Mohammed Siraj
Delhi Capitals (probable): 1 Prithvi Shaw, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Ripal Patel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Axar Patel, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Avesh Khan, 11 Anrich Nortje
RCB Vs DC, Players to Watch out for
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel has had a dream season in IPL 2021. From being a fringe member in the side, he is on the verge of breaking an IPL record. With three wickets left, Patel could finish with the most wickets in an IPL season, breaking Dwayne Bravo’s record. He is way ahead on the purple cap list, and his cutters are very effective on the UAE surfaces.
Axar Patel
Throughout the season, Axar Patel has silently delivered powerful four-over spells. He is maintaining a stump-to-stump line, bowling economically, and picking up crucial wickets. With strong pacers in the sides his efforts often go unnoticed. His spin bowling is crucial for Delhi, as he is doing the job for them in various phases of the innings.
RCB Vs DC, Pitch and Conditions
The Dubai surface has been slow, like the ones in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. It was faster early on, but the pitch has begun to tire, making it tougher to bat. Timing is difficult on the surface, when the ball is slower. KL Rahul’s innings is an exception, to an otherwise slow surface.
