IPL 2020, Match 31 Preview: RCB vs KXIP- Team analysis, along with Fantasy XI
Match 31 of the season is scheduled between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). The match will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. KXIP stay at the bottom of the table, while RCB are in the top-half.
FollowHalf-way down the season, Match 31 is scheduled at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This will see a clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
RCB have been in terrific form, while KXIP is probably at its worst.
Team Composition
RCB players have emerged strongly and they are having one of their best-balanced sides ever in the IPL. KXIP might include Chris Gayle in their batting order, a change that could probably up their position in the points table.
Current form
RCB players are in a fiery form and the team looks solid on all fronts. KXIP, on the other hand, have seen magnificent team performances but lacked the collective team spirit, which is causing regular losses. KXIP, who have won their only match this season, ironically, won against RCB by a whopping 97 runs. RCB would surely try to pay back in the same coin. RCB is at the third position, while KXIP is at the rock bottom in the points table.
Head-to head
The teams have locked horns for a total of 23 times, where KXIP have won on 13 occasions, while RCB have won 12 times.
Weather and pitch report
The temperature is going to be around 36 degrees, with no chances of precipitation. The toss winner often chooses to bat first at Sharjah and the stadium sees a flow of runs because of short boundaries.
Predicted 11
RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal.
KXIP: KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Simran Singh (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Chris Gayle, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.
Dream 11 players
Batsmen: Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers, Devdutt Padikkal- Agarwal and Gayle can get a fantastic start. Kohli can consolidate in the middle, while de Villiers and Padikkal can smash the big hits. Kohli’s escalating form makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul (vc) - The wicketkeeper-batsman can provide the momentum required, wherever necessary, while his reliable batting form makes him the vice-captain.
All-rounders: Chris Morris- Morris is quite handy with the bat and can scalp wickets with the ball, besides being economical with it.
Bowlers: Navdeep Saini, Ravi Bishnoi, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammed Shami- The spin attack, comprising Bishnoi and Chahal, can get the breakthroughs. Saini and Shami can restrict the opposition to a low total, courtesy of some fine bowling on the Sharjah track, which suits the pacers.
Player to look out for
Chris Gayle: The player might be included in the KXIP playing squad for the match against RCB. His power-hitting performance will be awaited which can even bring a much-needed win for KXIP.
Virat Kohli: The skipper has risen to the occasions of late, as his escalating form would once again draw everyone’s eyes.
Mohammed Shami: Shami is ideally lethal with the ball across formats. However, he is yet to click this season, as the management would want him to fire.
