One of the season’s dark horses take on one of the favourites for the title as the home-side, the Kings XI Punjab host the Royal Challengers Bangalore, in their adopted home at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.
The early signs for the Punjab team have been really positive as Glenn Maxwell has ushered in a new era as skipper of the side. A number of the pieces in the side remain the same, such as openers Shaun Marsh and Manan Vohra, and middle-order stars David Miller and Marcus Stoinis. But the side has also freshened up the bowling line-up, adding the likes of Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron to a well-rounded attack.
Extra cover: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) Today's Probable playing 11 against Royal Challengers Bangalore
For the Royal Challengers Bangalore, a side ravaged by injuries, the win against Delhi at home was a morale-boosting one. It was the first time that the Bangalore team defended a total of less than 160 at the Chinnaswamy. Yuzvendra Chahal and Tymal Mills have looked good so far, while Kedar Jadhav’s form has been a massive boost.
Extra cover: IPL 2017 KXIP vs RCB: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) probable playing XI against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
Both teams were successful with wins on Saturday and will be looking to carry on their winning run.
Match date: 10-04-2017Match time: 2000 (IST)Venue: Holkar Stadium, Indore
If Kings XI Punjab bat firstPredicted score: 200+
Kings XI Punjab have a very well-rounded batting line-up. The injury to Murali Vijay has proven to be a blessing for Manan Vohra, who will have to cash in on a chance to shine in the IPL 10. The trio of Glenn Maxwell, David Miller and Marcus Stoinis in the middle-order are arguably the most destructive in the entire league.
Hashim Amla is said to be in great form and will be looking to do better than his knock of 28 in the opener. Wriddhiman Saha and Vohra will expect to provide the team a good start before the middle-order trio comes in.
If Royal Challengers Bangalore bat firstPredicted score: 185+
Prior to the start of the tournament, the curator promised runs aplenty at the Holkar Stadium. The first game didn’t really live up to that expectation but this game will likely see a high score. A lot hinges on the imminent return of AB De Villiers.
Chris Gayle has shown indifferent form in recent months and will be keen to fire. Unless we see some heroics from Gayle, the RCB might have to contend with a score of around 180, with contributions from the likes of Kedar Jadhav and Stuart Binny.
Follow Live: IPL Live Score: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Predicted winners: Kings XI Punjab
The Kings XI Punjab do appear to be one of the stronger sides in the IPL this time around. Maxwell will be relishing a chance at captaincy and should be able to lead his side to a win over the RCB. While the RCB are undoubtedly one of the favourites for the IPL 10 title, expect their form to be indifferent until the return of their inspirational skipper Virat Kohli.
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