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IPL 2021 preview: Can Punjab Kings halt Royal Challengers Bangalore's free-flowing run?

This is the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League, the most fruitful Twenty20 league globally. Both Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore are yet to win the IPL title to date, despite having finished as runners-up before.

IPL 2021, Match 26: Punjab Kings vs Royal challengers Bangalore (PBKS vs RCB)-ayh
Author
Ahmedabad, First Published Apr 29, 2021, 8:37 PM IST

The Indian Premier League 2021 has started to get intense with each passing game. Meanwhile, Match 26 would witness a clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Both sides are yet to win the IPL title to date, despite having finished as the runners-up. Nonetheless, it could all change this season, while this tie can prove to be a difference-maker as we present the match preview.

Current form
Both the teams have a contrasting form. PBKS has managed to win just a couple, besides suffering four losses and placed sixth in the points table. As for RCB, it has won five games, along with a loss, and is placed in the second spot.

Team combination
Considering the teams, PBKS has a balanced squad in terms of numbers. However, with more capped talents in the batting, PBKS would look to score runs aplenty, while KL Rahul's brutal form could be vital.

As for RCB, it has a batting-heavy side, considering the numbers. Notwithstanding, with more capped recruits in the bowling, it makes the side quite balanced, while Kohli and de Villiers' classy form would make it crucial for the side.

Injury concerns
PBKS is absolutely injury-free. As for RCB, it would be without Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, who have pulled out due to COVID concerns.

Head-to-head
In the 26 clashes between the two, PBKS has won 14, with RCB winning 12. Of the 21 games in India, RCB leads 11-10. Meanwhile, it would be their maiden clash in Ahmedabad.

Follow all IPL 2021 updates here

IPL 2021, Match 26: Punjab Kings vs Royal challengers Bangalore (PBKS vs RCB)-ayh

Weather and pitch report
The weather in Ahmedabad would again be hot, with a temperature of 43 degrees and humidity around 26%. As for the track, it would be slightly slowish. However, bowling first would be ideal with the dew factor in mind.

Probable XI
PBKS:
KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Moises Henriques, Fabian Allen/Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh.
RCB: Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Fantasy XI
Batsmen:
Kohli, Maxwell, Shahrukh, Padikkal- Kohli and Padikkal are sure to give an explosive start, with Maxwell and Shahrukh consolidating in the middle.
Wicketkeepers: De Villiers (c), Rahul (vc)- Both are no-brainers here for their form and their crude form makes the skipper and deputy, respectively.
All-rounder: Hooda- He has been doing great with the bat of late and can chip in with his spins when needed.
Bowlers: Harshal, Jamieson, Siraj, Meredith- Harshal is a no-brainer, owing to his brilliant form, while Jamieson and Siraj are sure to contribute decently. Meanwhile, Meredith is likely to be a surprise package.

Match details
Date and day:
April 30, 2021 (Friday)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar

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