RCB will have to win all their remaining six matches to keep alive the hopes of making the knockout stage.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore have had the worst start to their IPL season since the 2009 edition. They did manage to turn their season around in 2009 and ended up reaching the final of the tournament but eventually lost to the now defunct Deccan Chargers.
However, with their previous match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad being washed out in Bangalore, they have their task cut-out. Virat Kohli’s men will have to win their remaining 6 matches if they want to give themselves a chance to qualify for the playoffs. They suffered their most embarrassing defeat in the history of the IPL on 23rd April when they were bowled out for 49 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
RCB have only two wins from their eight league matches, and have one additional point from Tuesday’s washed out match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Similarly, Gujarat Lions too have had an extremely poor start to their season as they are currently at the bottom of the table with only 2 wins in 7 matches. They finished on top of the table last season before going into the playoffs and will have to win their remaining 7 matches if they want to replicate last season’s form.
Batting Performance:
RCB will hope that their overseas talent, including Chris Gayle, AB De Villers and skipper Virat Kohli come good as they are all match winners on their own. RCB are currently at the bottom of the standings and can barely afford another loss if they are to stay in the race for the Playoffs.
Gujarat Lions on the other side are struggling to gain momentum. The last season’s table toppers are sitting right at the bottom in the points table with just one win under their belt.
For Gujarat Lions, it is going to be a tough call to make to pick their best XI. The batting performance in the last game showed that the Gujarat side are capable of handling pressure but the bowling has become a cause of concern for them.
If RCB bat first: Prediction: 170+
RCB’s strength is their batting but unfortunately, they have not lived up to their billing with their batsmen not performing too well this year. They posted a 200+ total only once so far and would be hoping to do so against the Lions. Unfortunately, with a change in the Chinnaswamy stadium
If GL bat first: Prediction: 160+
Their strength is their batting and they would be looking to capitalise on that in tomorrow’s match in order to achieve a big total. However, given the nature of the pitch and RCB’s spin bowling strength, they will have their task cut out.
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