Bengaluru’s Royal Challengers have dropped two games when defending totals and won one when chasing them. As a result, there are already the usual doubts over the team’s bowling resources early in the IPL 2024. It is commonly known that this is a result of the ground’s harshness. One of the numerous obstacles they will face when they play the Lucknow Super Giants, who upset them in a thrilling game at the same location the season before, is how they could counteract the aforementioned disadvantages.
In their previous match of the season, LSG was captained by Nicholas Pooran, the mastermind behind that incredible chase, with KL Rahul serving as an Impact sub. He may be able to carry on in this position since LSG worries about Rahul’s fitness. On the eve of the game, Rahul participated in some fitness drills in addition to his batting regimen and some wicket-keeping preparation.
Notwithstanding that concern, LSG will be giddy with confidence following their triumph over Punjab Kings, in which they also got to show off 21-year-old Mayank Yadav’s raw pace, which captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide. On a field like the one in Bengaluru, Yadav’s ability to strike the deck hard could be useful even with the lower boundary widths available.
In order to counter it, RCB will rely on their collective batting performance in addition to the necessary bowling upgrades. Players like Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, and Faf du Plessis haven’t yet made an impression on the season. It has put further strain on an already vulnerable bowling lineup, and even though Virat Kohli has been getting better, his efforts have not been sufficient to make up for his top-order companions’ lack of output.
Similar to RCB, LSG has benefited from the return of some of its best hitters; nevertheless, as with the home team, there is still hope for more. In a lengthy competition, the teams must try to put some of that scratchiness behind them as soon as possible.
When: 19:30 IST on April 2, 2024
Where: Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium
What to anticipate: On the eve of the match, there was a noticeable hint of green on the surface, which was the same one used for the match versus Punjab Kings. The speed bowlers were compelled to use cutters in the two games played at the venue so far this season in order to obtain some purchase. Should the pitch play as quickly as it appears from the outside, that prospect might notice a change.
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Bengaluru Royal Challengers
The situation of Alzarri Joseph, who hasn’t made an impression on the opportunities thus far, is one concern for RCB. With players like Reece Topley and Lockie Ferguson in the wings, a switch up in the lineup is still very much a possibility.
Strategies and pairings:
Glenn Maxwell has been dismissed three times so far, but Krunal Pandya may be looking to take advantage of his vulnerability against left-arm spin. Additionally, if Maxwell’s dismal returns against spin (dismissed twice in 14 balls) this season persist, players like Ravi Bishnoi and M Siddharth may also be considered.
Presumptive XII: Mayank Dagar, Mohammad Siraj, Vyshak Vijaykumar, Mahipal Lomror/Yash Dayal, Alzarri Joseph/Reece Topley, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik
Super Giants of Lucknow
Although Rahul’s fitness issues may not be too serious, Deepak Hooda could be taken into consideration as a direct substitute if he is found to be unfit.
Strategies and pairings
This season, Ayush Badoni, Quinton de Kock, and Devdutt Padikkal have all been dismissed twice apiece when facing left-arm pace. If the past is any indication, RCB may choose to use two of these practitioners.
Potential XII: Mohsin Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mayank Yadav, M Siddharth, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, Quinton de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, Ayush Badoni, and M Siddharth
Were you aware?
-At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Nicholas Pooran scores at 229 while Quinton de Kock scores two fifties and a hundred.
Faf du Plessis is up 219 runs overall after four innings against the Lucknow Super Giants.
