Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a commanding 60 runs victory against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Overview of the Match

The clash between RCB and PBKS proved to be an enthralling spectacle, with RCB emerging victorious by a margin of 60 runs. Despite the win, RCB maintained their position in the seventh spot on the IPL 2024 points table, while PBKS bid farewell to their playoff aspirations.

See Also: ‘Was Important for Me…’ – Virat Kohli jokes about his strike rate

Early Dominance by RCB

RCB asserted their dominance early in the match, setting a formidable target for PBKS with a stellar batting performance. They defined the match in several pivotal moments, including crucial wickets, impactful partnerships, and dramatic twists.

Swapnil Singh trapped Prabhsimran Singh LBW after being hit for a maximum in the first over. Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw then stitched together a fifty-run stand for the second wicket to get PBKS back in the game. Bairstow departed for 27 from 16 deliveries. Rossouw scored a well-made 27-ball 61 but was dismissed by Karn Sharma as Will Jacks completed the catch.

Impactful Bowling by RCB

Swapnil Singh, the left-arm spinner made an early breakthrough by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh LBW. Ferguson’s stunning catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow added pressure on PBKS. Sharma’s dismissal of Rilee Rossouw further dented PBKS’ batting lineup.

Virat Kohli’s Masterclass

Virat Kohli’s scintillating innings of 92 runs off 47 balls played a pivotal role in RCB’s victory. Kohli’s innings were characterized by aggressive strokeplay, including seven fours and six sixes. His vintage knock propelled RCB to a commanding total of 241/7 in 20 overs, marking their fourth-highest total in the tournament.

Apart from Kohli, several other players significantly contributed to RCB’s success. Rajat Patidar’s explosive batting saw him score a crucial 55 runs, his fourth fifty of the season. His aggressive approach against spinners, including three sixes off Rahul Chahar’s first over, added valuable runs to RCB’s total.

Bowling Highlights for PBKS

Despite RCB’s batting onslaught, certain PBKS bowlers showcased commendable performances. Patel’s figures of 3-38 further solidified his position as one of the top wicket-takers in IPL 2024. His crucial wickets added pressure on RCB’s batting lineup.

The match was replete with dramatic twists, including Kohli’s early escape due to dropped catches by PBKS fielders and a 33-minute rain and hail interruption. Kohli fell just eight runs short of his second century of the season, showcasing his dominance with authoritative strokes and vintage flair.

In the 58th IPL match against the Punjab Kings on May 9th, Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batting powerhouse, showcased his exceptional skills.

Virat Kohli’s Innings

Kohli, donning the orange cap as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, led RCB’s batting lineup with finesse after PBKS invited them to bat first. Despite several early reprieves, Kohli’s determination was evident from the outset. Luck favoured him as Ashutosh Sharma and Rilee Rossouw dropped catches, but Kohli capitalized on these opportunities to anchor his team’s innings.

See Also: IPL 2024: Who is Vidwath Kaverappa? Know everything about PBKS debutant

A brief halt due to a hailstorm did little to deter Kohli’s focus. Upon resumption, accompanied by Cameron Green, he resumed his aggressive approach.

Unleashing Trademark Strokeplay

In the 13th over, facing Liam Livingstone, Kohli displayed his mastery with the bat, reaching his half-century off just 32 balls. His exquisite timing and wristy flicks left spectators awestruck. Following a slightly slow start, Kohli accelerated rapidly. Within the successive ten balls, he struck two fours and two sixes, racing to 36 off 20 deliveries before reaching his fifty in the 13th over.

Virat Kohli inched closer to clinching his ninth IPL century; however, he fell short by just 8 runs. Arshdeep Singh’s long wait to get King Kohli finally manifested as he got his first wicket of the evening. Kohli’s innings were characterized by dominance, as he amassed 92 runs off 47 balls, steering RCB to a commanding total of 241/7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Key Milestones Achieved

Kohli’s innings were instrumental in the match and marked several significant milestones in IPL history.

1. Most runs by an Indian batter for RCB: Kohli surpassed the 7897-run mark, solidifying his position as a franchise stalwart.

Most runs by an Indian batter for RCB

7897 Virat Kohli

900* Dinesh Karthik

898 Rahul Dravid

884 Devdutt Padikkal

731 Parthiv Patel

2. Historic Dismissal: Kohli’s dismissal at 92 runs marked only the second instance of him getting out in the 90s in IPL history. It’s only the second instance of Virat Kohli getting dismissed in the 90s in IPL. The first was 99 vs Delhi Capitals in Delhi in 2013.

3. Dominance against Opponents: Kohli’s prowess was evident as he became the first player to score 1000+ runs against three opponents in the IPL.

1000+ runs most opponents in IPL

3 Virat Kohli vs CSK, DC & PBKS

2 Rohit Sharma vs DC & KKR

2 David Warner vs KKR & PBKS

4. Most 600+ run seasons in IPL

4 KL Rahul & Virat Kohli

3 C Gayle & D Warner

2 Faf du Plessis

Punjab Kings (PBKS) shook up their line-up for a crucial encounter against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), including young sensation Vidwath Kaverappa. This bold move proved to be a game-changer, with Kaverappa making an immediate impact and showcasing his potential on the grand stage of the IPL.

Tactical Adjustments

PBKS opted to drop premier pacer Kagiso Rabada in favour of Liam Livingstone while bolstering their pace attack with the addition of Vidwath Kaverappa, a young uncapped Indian talent.

See Also: SA20 likely to adopt Impact Player rule

The 25-year-old Right-Arm seam bowler, who was born in Karnataka, wasted no time leaving his mark. He delivered a stellar performance that caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Dream Debut in IPL

Given the new ball to open the attack, Kaverappa immediately caught the eye with his precision and pace, almost claiming the prized wicket of Virat Kohli in his very first over.

Kaverappa’s breakthrough moment came in the third over when he dismissed RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, setting the stage for a memorable debut in the IPL.

Although Kohli welcomed him with a six in the fifth over, he got rid of dangerous Will Jacks on the fourth ball. Rajat Patidar almost fell prey to Kaverappa’s intimidating pace-bowling but Harshal Patel dropped a sitter at the deep backward square to deny PBKS from taking a huge lead in the game.

Rising Star

Vidwath Kaverappa’s journey to the IPL is a testament to his exceptional talent and hard work in the Indian domestic circuit, where he has consistently impressed with his wicket-taking ability.

Acquired by Punjab Kings during the 2023 IPL auction for his base price of INR 20 lakh, Kaverappa’s retention for the IPL 2024 season underscores the franchise’s belief in his potential.

Stellar Records in Domestic

Kaverappa’s standout performances in domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy demonstrate his ability to thrive under pressure and deliver consistent results.

He was the second-highest wicket-taker for Karnataka in the 2022-23 Ranji season. His stellar performances in the Karnataka Premier League caught the attention of the Punjab Kings franchise, which resulted in him getting his maiden IPL contract. His standout performance in the 2022 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he claimed 18 wickets in just eight games, highlighted his ability to be effective in the shortest format of the game.

With an economy rate of 6.36 in this tournament and a stellar showing in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 17 wickets at an economy of 3.53, Kaverappa has proven his mettle as a reliable bowler under pressure.

In a pulsating encounter at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 25, Virat Kohli rolled back the years with a remarkable performance, guiding Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to their first win of the season against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024.

Virat Kohli leads his team to victory

With his bat wielding like a magic wand, Kohli mesmerized the audience with a vintage display of batting prowess. His innings not only anchored the chase but also injected a sense of belief and determination into the RCB camp.

The RCB bowlers displayed excellent form with a disciplined performance, but it was Virat Kohli who stole the spotlight. In the first match against CSK, Kohli didn’t have many opportunities to bat in the powerplay overs as Faf du Plessis dominated the bowling attack. However, in the recent match, Kohli found himself in the thick of action from the start as he faced Sam Curran.

Kohli received a stroke of luck early on when Jonny Bairstow dropped a catch at slips, resulting in a boundary. Despite the early scare, Kohli remained composed and let his bat do the talking.

It became clear that Kohli was the key to guiding his team to victory, and after a strategic time-out, he elevated his game. Two boundaries off Harshal Patel signaled his intent for the final stretch. However, Patel, a former RCB player, managed to outsmart the star batter, dismissing him for a commendable 77 runs off 49 deliveries. Even against the likes of Kagiso Rabada, his traditional rival, Kohli seemed unfazed as he played some delightful shots.

Dinesh Karthik shines on the ground

As the match unfolded, it became a gripping contest between bat and ball. Punjab Kings, led by their skipper, fought tooth and nail to defend their total. However, the relentless onslaught from Kohli, supported by the likes of Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik, gradually tilted the scales in favor of RCB.

Dinesh Karthik and Mahipal Lomror staged a remarkable comeback for Bengaluru in what evolved into a thrilling contest. Together, they steered the hosts to victory in a nail-biting finish. Karthik’s unbeaten 28 off 10 balls, capped off with a winning boundary, and Lomror’s quickfire 16 off 8 balls were instrumental in securing the win for their team.

See Also: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 6, RCB vs PBKS

As Kohli maintained his aggressive batting to propel RCB’s chase, he found limited support from his teammates as Kagiso Rabada and Harpreet Brar inflicted most of the damage for the Kings during the middle overs. Amidst the pressure, Arshdeep’s second delivery veered wide, prompting a rebowl. Seizing the opportunity, Karthik expertly drove the ball down the ground. Karthik’s rapid 28 runs off just 10 balls ultimately steered RCB to victory in a manner that only he can.

They displayed nerves of steel as they applied the finishing touches to RCB’s memorable victory.

In the thrilling saga of the Indian Premier League (IPL), individual brilliance often takes center stage, exemplified by the prestigious Orange and Purple Caps awarded to the leading run scorer and leading wicket-taker, respectively. Let’s delve into the captivating narratives of the Orange and Purple Cap races in IPL 2024.

IPL 2024: Orange Cap

As the battle for batting supremacy unfolds, Virat Kohli emerges as a formidable contender, showcasing his exceptional talent with a dazzling innings of 77 runs against Punjab Kings. This stellar performance propels him to the summit of the leading run scorer’s list in IPL 2024. Following closely behind is Sam Curran, whose valiant effort of 23 runs catapults him to the second position. The leaderboard for the leading run scorers in IPL 2024 reflects these cricketing maestros’ competitive spirit and unparalleled skill.

See Also: IPL 2024: Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by 4 wickets, Points table updated

Most Runs in IPL 2024

IPL 2024: Purple Cap

On the bowling front, Mustafizur Rahman makes a resounding statement with a spectacular four-wicket haul on his Chennai Super Kings debut, seizing the coveted Purple Cap. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah showcases his mastery of the craft despite Mumbai Indians’ narrow loss to the Gujarat Titans, securing three crucial wickets. Harshit Rana and T Natarajan also leave an indelible mark with their exceptional bowling performances, contributing significantly to their teams’ success. The comprehensive list of leading wicket-takers in IPL 2024 highlights the exceptional talent and diversity of bowling prowess on display.

Most Runs in IPL 2024

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed an enthralling contest as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) emerged victorious against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024 match, showcasing a thrilling display of cricketing prowess.

In a high-stakes encounter, RCB secured a crucial win against Punjab Kings by four wickets. The match unfolded with captivating moments, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats.

RCB’s Chase

In response, RCB’s chase was spearheaded by the dynamic Virat Kohli, who showcased his masterful batting skills with a classy innings of 77 runs. Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, RCB maintained their composure, thanks to Dinesh Karthik’s and Mahipal Lomror’s contributions. This pair ended up seeing the hosts through to the end. Karthik hit the winning runs with a four, finishing unbeaten on 28 off 10 balls while Lomror scored 16 in eight balls.

See Also: IPL 2024: Virat Kohli creates history but fails to achieve target against PBKS

Match Highlights

The match was characterized by intense battles and decisive moments, with both teams showcasing their competitive spirit and determination to secure victory. RCB’s bowling unit delivered a commendable performance, with standout contributions from Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj, who played pivotal roles in restricting Punjab Kings’ batting lineup.

Toss and Punjab Kings’ Innings

Faf du Plessis’ strategic decision to bowl first set the tone for RCB’s disciplined performance, putting pressure on Punjab Kings from the outset and laying the foundation for their eventual victory.

Punjab Kings faced an early setback with the dismissal of opener Jonny Bairstow in the 3rd over. However, skipper Shikhar Dhawan anchored the innings with a stellar knock of 45 runs, supported by Shashank Singh’s impactful cameo towards the end. RCB did well to keep the batters in check and put pressure on PBKS in the first 10 overs. Dhawan was eventually dismissed for 44 off 37 while the dangerous Liam Livingstone fell for just 17 runs in 13 balls. PBKS are now hoping that Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran can given them a good finish.

Yash Dayal and Mohammed Siraj were the stars for RCB with the ball. Dayal returned figures of 1/23 while Siraj returned 2/26.

IPL 2024: Updated Points Table

Crowds thronged M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday, March 25, to witness the clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Match 6 of IPL 2024. Among the fervent supporters, one man stood out Virat Kohli. In a display reminiscent of his prime, Virat Kohli showcased his masterful batting prowess, steering RCB towards victory with finesse. Kohli’s innings unfolded as a testament to his enduring skill and determination. Kohli’s valiant effort of 77 runs off 49 balls proved pivotal in RCB’s pursuit of victory, showcasing his enduring class and resilience.

Kohli’s Record-breaking Batting

Amidst the electrifying atmosphere, Kohli achieved a significant milestone in his T20 career by registering his 100th 50+ score across all competitions. With an exceptional record of 92 fifties and 8 centuries, Kohli’s contribution to RCB’s success has been unparalleled.

See Also: IPL 2024: Netizens troll Dhoni after Anuj Rawat’s brilliant catch behind the wicket

Kohli is also only the third batter in history to score 50+ runs in T20 more in three-figure instances. Only David Warner (109) and Chris Gayle (110) are ahead of him at the moment. In T20 career, the RCB star has scored more than 12,000 runs and has a strike rate of more than 133. Kohli is one of the few players to play all of the IPL seasons so far, and he also boasts with most runs in the competition.

Kohli’s Fielding Record

Not content with rewriting batting records, Kohli also etched his name in the annals of fielding history. By surpassing Suresh Raina’s record for the most catches by an Indian player in T20 cricket, Kohli demonstrated his versatility and commitment on the field.

The overall record is held by former West Indies allrounder Kieron Pollard who has taken a staggering 362 catches so far. No other fielder has managed to touch the 300 catch so far. David Miller is second with 290 catches followed by Dwayne Bravo (271), Shoaib Malik (225), and Alex Hales (221) in the top five. In the overall list, Kohli is at the 15th spot.

India fielders with most catches in Men’s T20 cricket
173 – Virat Kohli
172 – Suresh Raina
167 – Rohit Sharma
146 – Manish Pandey
136 – Suryakumar Yadav

RCB vs PBKS Match Highlights

As the match unfolded, Kohli’s impact was palpable from the outset. Despite early setbacks, Kohli’s aggressive batting propelled RCB forward, instilling hope in the hearts of fans. However, the journey was not without its challenges, with PBKS bowlers posing formidable resistance.

Kohli smashed 35 in 21 balls after being dropped off the second ball of the innings by Jonny Bairstow and RCB were 50/2 at the end of the powerplay while chasing a target of 177.

While Kohli continued to bat aggressively and power RCB’s chase, he hardly received sustained support from the other end as Kagiso Rabada and Harpreet Brar did most of the damage for the Kings in the middle overs. Eventually though, Kohli himself perished after having scored 77 in 49 balls. RCB won the match 4 wickets.

The clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2024 season brought about high expectations and thrilling moments for cricket enthusiasts. Faf du Plessis, the skipper of RCB, won the toss and opted to bowl first. The decision set the tone for an intriguing encounter. However, PBKS faced an early setback with opener Jonny Bairstow departing early, courtesy of a brilliant delivery from Mohammed Siraj.

Anuj Rawat’s Catch

One of the highlights of the match was Anuj Rawat’s exceptional catch behind the stumps to dismiss the dangerous Sam Curran. Rawat’s athleticism and skill garnered widespread praise, with some comparing his performance to that of former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni.

See Also: IPL 2024: Breaking Down How Gujarat Titans Pulled Off the Heist Against Mumbai Indians?

It was the 5th delivery of the 18th over and Sam Curran was looking to go big as Punjab needed a strong finish. However, Yash Dayal who was hit for a boundary earlier in the over, bowled a good pacy bouncer that produced an top edge off the bat of Sam Curran who tried to hook the ball. The ball seemed to be going over Anuj Rawat but the wicketkeeper timed his jumped nicely to grab a one-handed stunner.

Anuj Rawat’s Record

Anuj Rawat’s catch marked a historic moment as he became the first wicketkeeper for RCB to achieve four dismissals in a single innings, showcasing his prowess behind the stumps.

PBKS Innings

Despite the early setback, PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan led from the front, attempting to stabilize the innings. However, RCB’s bowlers applied consistent pressure, resulting in Dhawan’s departure after a valiant effort of 44 runs off 37 balls. Additionally, the departure of the dangerous Liam Livingstone for just 17 runs in 13 balls further hampered PBKS’ momentum. The team pinned their hopes on Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran to provide a strong finish.

PBKS concluded their innings with a competitive total of 176/6, with contributions from various players, including Shashank, who provided crucial runs towards the end. With the pitch offering advantages to the batters, PBKS aimed to defend their total with an effective bowling strategy.

RCB Bowling Performance

RCB’s bowlers, notably Glenn Maxwell and Yash Dayal, showcased exceptional skills, restricting PBKS’ batters and preventing them from unleashing their full potential.

Sam Curran was the player of the match in Punjab Kings winning start to IPL 2024 against DC as he scored a brilliant 63 in a run-chase. After the wicket of Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma also lost his wicket and Punjab Kings who would have hoped for a total of close to 200, have fallen well short of that landmark.

27th Match, IPL: Royal Challengers Bangalore 174 for 4 (Du Plessis 84, Kohli 59, Brar 2-31) beat Punjab Kings 150 (Prabhsimran 46, Jitesh 41, Mohammed Siraj 4-21) by 24 runs

Faf du Plessis revealed that he could never have played this game had the Impact Player rule not been set up. Too many issues were being caused by his bruised rib. However, the new regulations gave him the opportunity to influence the game solely through his batting, and he did so. Giving over the captaincy to Virat Kohli so he could play as a substitute, he hit 84 off 56 balls on a lazy Mohali pitch to pull Illustrious Challengers Bangalore to 174 for 4, regardless of a late log jam. After that, all he did was rest in the dugout while observing Mohammed Siraj excel in the powerplay and death to assist them in defending that total.

After being on 137 for 0 in 16 overs, Royal Challengers were only 37 for 4 in their final four overs. However, after a narrow home loss to Chennai Super Kings, they dominated the powerplay with bat and ball to defeat Punjab Kings and give their campaign a boost.

The opening salvo

After a calm beginning – du Plessis was on 3 off 7 balls at a certain point – he made swinging room against left-arm finger spinner Harpreet Brar and sent him over his head for six. He gave him more room with two more balls and hit him over midwicket for six more. Royal Challengers outscored Royal Challengers 59 to 0 in the powerplay after Kohli’s strong start, driving Brar and then pulling the seamers for fours. Even after the powerplay, Du Plessis batted with the same high intent, reaching his half-century off 31 balls.

The slowdown

However, Kohli slowed down after the powerplay, particularly against leg spinner Rahul Chahar and Sam Curran’s slower variations. Subsequent to being on 29 off 19 balls toward the finish of the powerplay, he oversaw just 30 off his next 28 balls.

When he spliced a sweep off Brar, his innings came to an end, and Kings made their breakthrough when wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma made a stunning one-handed catch. After that, Brar got Glenn Maxwell to hole out for a duck on the next ball, and Nathan Ellis, who was picked ahead of Kagiso Rabada, got du Plessis fooled with a slower variation to stop Royal Challengers at the last moment.

They were 91 for 0 of every ten overs and later 137 for 0 out of 16 overs however wound up with seemingly a shoddy finish at that stage. Kings would ultimately discover that 24 was too many.

Mohammed Siraj bosses the powerplay and death

Illustrious Challengers immediately recaptured lost ground when Siraj struck two times in the powerplay to trap both Atharva Taide (4) and the returning Liam Livingstone (2). Siraj increased his powerplay total this season to six with those two wickets. No other bowler has more wickets during this stage in IPL 2023.

Siraj returned in the final moments to conclude Kings’ pursuit after discovering late inswing in the initial exchanges. Kings had 30 off 18 balls when Jitesh struck late, giving them a glimmer of hope. In the 18th over, however, Siraj struck out Brar and Ellis for just four runs. Siraj was likewise at it in the field, affecting an immediate hit from mid-off to get Harpreet Bhatia short at the non-striker’s end.

Jitesh, Prabhsimran flicker for Kings

From being 43 for 4 on the powerplay, Kings’ Impact Player Prabhsimran Singh and Finisher Jitesh contributed to their team’s closeness to the goal. Indeed, even as five wickets fell around him, Prabhsimran pursued the RCB assault. He took Wanindu Hasaranga for 18 off of eight balls, which was particularly severe. The chase, on the other hand, slipped further out of Kings’ reach when he missed the half-century mark by just four.

Jitesh momentarily kept Lords in the pursuit with his own counterattack, however Siraj and Harshal Patel at last excused them for 150 and hauled RCB up to fifth on the standings.

Preview

RCB vs PBKS: The IPL is slowly shifting from a game of cricket to a game of mathematics. Two teams are already on their way out, and both RCB and PBKS are looking to cement their hopes of a top four spot.

With three games left, PBKS are still in the hunt and can make it to 16 points, which should be enough to qualify. For RCB, a win takes them to 16 points, and will be in a very good position to qualify for the next round. Both teams are doing well this year, and PBKS will be coming in after a gap, fresh and ready to fight for a top-four spot.

Match Details

Match: RCB vs PBKS

Date: 13th May 2022

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

Weather Report

The weather for tomorrow evening is clear and there will be no rain during the RCB vs PBKS game.

Pitch Report

The last two games at the Brabourne stadium has been won by the team batting first. The surface is getting dry and slow and batting first will be a better option on the track.

RCB vs PBKS Predicted Playing XI

RCB Playing XI

Faf du Plessis (capt), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood

PBKS Playing XI

Mayank Agarwal (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Rishi Dhawan, Sandeep Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Team News

Both sides are likely to remain unchanged.

Key Players

Wanindu Hasaranga

Hasaranga has been in good form and made a rapid rise to second on the leading wicket-takers chart. He is silent in his approach, and his performances have often gone unnoticed this season. With wrist-spinners ruling the current season he will have a key role in the upcoming game, and could be among the wickets yet again.

See Also: Rishabh Pant’s Unrecognizably Consistent and Conservative approach in IPL 2022 – Cricket Winner

Mayank Agarwal

With PBKS struggling in the middle-order Mayank Agarwal has sacrificed his spot and dropped down the batting order. By doing so, Jonny Bairstow is at the top and is allowed to play his natural game. The line-up also looks deeper now with Agarwal shepherding the middle order, preventing the chance of a collapse.

RCB vs PBKS, Match Tips

The Punjab Kings are coming in off a gap and likely to be a little fresh with the break. They have finally found the right balance while SRH still have concerns regarding the form of stars like Virat Kohli.

Match Prediction: PBKS will win the match.