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*LSG VS RCB MATCH 43 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
RCB, experiencing a “blowing hot and cold” kind of season would be hoping for some relief, especially for their bowlers as they have finally hit the road now. They will be competing in 6 away games on the trot and more than being a disadvantage, i see this as a positive for the Faf led unit, who is likely to come in as the onfield captain from tonight. The Assembly elections in Karnataka ensured that RCB complete a majority of their home games early and a middling return from their bowling group at their home was a cause of concern. Come the bigger boundaries and bowler friendly pitches here at the Ekana stadium, all should feel at ease in a game where RCB’s big 3 and their returns will also be closely tested.
*RCB PROBABLE XI:*
Virat Kohli, Faf Duplisses(c), Suyash Prabhudesai, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik(wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, David Willey/Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Siraj
Hazlewood was not seen preaching at the Ekana nets but has cleared the fitness test under RCB with supervision from Cricket Australia. There is no clarity on the fact if he will be able to compete tonight or no, if he does, Willey should make way for him.
Suyash Prabhudesai, naturally a top order player is not being utilised to his full potential. Sending Shahbaz up at 3 is a horrible move given his poor numbers against spin and high quality batting. In Suyash, RCB not just have a middle overs spin basher but also a reliable proper batting option.
The Big 3 of RCB, popularly known as the ‘K.G.F” have struck at a strike rate of 160 plus and this is one area where everyone would be keenly looking at now that RCB have a list of away games to play out.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
If Faf is still unfit, he or Vyshak Vijaykumar would come in as the impact substitute. In other circumstances, we could see Karn Sharma coming in for Suyash Prabhudesai or vice versa.
*LSG PROBABLE XI:*
Kyle Mayers, Quinton Dekock(wk), Deepak Hooda, KL Rahul(c), Nicholas Pooran, Krunal Pandya, Ayush Badoni, Naveen Ul Haq, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Yash Thakur
Though there has been no official confirmation on Stoinis’s unavailability but expect LSG to rest him as a precautionary measure. If it happens, it would be tactically wise to get QDK to open the batting alongside Mayers and demote KL Rahul to NO4.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Amit Mishra, who has been a vital impact substitute player for LSG could have a big say in tonight’s game as well. The Ekana wicket has favoured the slower type bowlers and with Mishra enjoying a stellar record vs Maxwell and Kohli, he could just be the Rahul led unit’s trump card.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR RCB:*
Highest run getter- Virat Kohli/ Faf Duplisses
Highest wicket taker- Wanindu Hasaranga/Harshal Patel
*FOR LSG:*
Highest run getter- Nicholas Pooran/Deepak Hooda
Highest wicket taker- Amit Mishra/Avesh Khan
*FOR THE GAME:*
RCB to win