In the 31st match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be locking horns with the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. With their only win in this season against RCB and Chris Gayle’s probable debut in the IPL 2020, Punjab will be hoping to be getting back on the winning ways. The inability to produce an all-round show and close out games they should have won has led to the Punjab-based franchise losing six out of their seven matches.
Though the Sharjah wicket has been slowing gradually, the smaller ground dimensions are ideal for someone like Gayle to go on a six-hitting spree. However, it certainly won’t be easy for the 41-year-old to get going from ball one, having not played earlier in the competition.
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On the other hand, Virat Kohli-led RCB will look to continue their winning streak against KL Rahul’s men. RCB is currently standing at the third position in the points table with 10 points under their belt while KXIP is at the bottom of the standings, seeking a much-needed move up the points table.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Playing an extra bowler for Sharjah was a smart move from the RCB team management and there are certain chances that they will retain the same team in their second game at the venue. Aaron Finch eased some concern about his form with a 47 as his intent, to take the first ball and counter the inswinging delivery by walking at the bowlers, is a sign that the Australian skipper is plotting his way out of trouble. Barring late fitness concerns, RCB is unlikely to make any change in their XI.
Probable XI: Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Washington Sundar, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
Chirs Gayle seems to be make comeback in the XI as he has recovered from his stomach bug and Sharjah serving a pitch most conducive for top-order players, the time is ripe for KXIP to introduce one of the stalwarts of the tournament. That means Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be missing the game and KXIP can reprise their use of two legspinners in the XI by bringing back Murugan Ashwin. But that change will have to come at the expense of Glenn Maxwell, whose offspinners could provide a release.
Probable XI: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Glenn Maxwell/James Neesham, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin/K Gowtham, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh
