Royal Challengers Bangalore have started the UAE leg of IPL 2021 on a miserable note. Despite being superior to Kolkata Knight Riders on the points table, RCB were outplayed by Eoin Morgan’s men. The RCB players will have their tasks cut out for the next game. In this article, we take a look at the strongest possible RCB XI for the next match against Chennai Super Kings.
At the moment, CSK looks to be in red-hot form and is definitely the team to beat. The last time when they faced in IPL 2021, CSK dominated RCB and won the game handsomely. RCB will have to avoid the same by ringing in a few smart changes in the playing XI.
Openers: Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli (C)
Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli will form the opening partnership for the strongest possible RCB XI for the next match. Barring a few games, the duo has not fired together. That said, this is the best possible combination that the management can field. However, it is also worth considering Virat Kohli at his usual No.3 slot so that if he falls early, the team will not be under pressure immediately.
Middle-Order: Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers and Mohammed Azharuddin (WK)
KS Bharat played at No.3 for RCB in the game against KKR. He did not look comfortable at the crease and failed to find boundaries consistently. RCB might look to bring back Rajat Patidar for this role. At the other end of the middle-order, Sachin Baby could make way for his fellow state-mate Mohammed Azharuddin. The wicket-keeper batsman will be a better bet with the big-hitting duties. He has also played a number of games for Kerala in the lower middle-order. If Virat does not open, he is also a good option to slot in there. AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell will yet again form the core of the batting unit.
All-Rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga and Kyle Jamieson
RCB is set to field the same set of all-rounders in the strongest possible RCB XI for the next match. Wanindu Hasaranga did not have a memorable start but he might get more time to settle into the league. With the ball, though, he looked confident. Kyle Jamieson was expensive with the ball but is likely to retain his position. He adds stability to the batting department and will be the best option to partner with Mohammed Siraj in the power play.
Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal
The bowling line-up will mostly be the same for the game against Chennai Super Kings. Harshal Patel is the Purple Cap holder and will hope that he will have something to bowl at in the next game. RCB should also look to utilize Harshal’s skills with the bat. Chahal and Siraj will complete the bowling attack of this XI.
