Dubai: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) had almost won their IPL 2020 opener against Delhi Capitals until some umpiring howler cost them the game. Come Thursday (September 24), the KL Rahul-led side will be once again in action, this time against a charged Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With a win in their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB will be heavily depending on AB de Villiers and newbie Devdutt Padikkal at the top of the order, enough to make it all good enough to throw a challenging total. Skipper Virat Kohli too will be looking to get some runs under his belt.
In the bowling department, the onus will be on Yuzvendra Chahal while Navdeep Saini and Shivam Dube were also impressive in the last encounter. On the other hand, KXIP would largely depend on Rahul, Mayank Agarwal to give them a flying start. Agarwal, who nealry brought the team on the brink of victory the other night will be eager to repeat his form.
Mohammad Shami was in sensational rhythm against Delhi Capitals, while the left-arm seam of Sheldon Cottrell added a fine dimension. Young Ravi Bishnoi also executed his task rather well. Of all the IPL franchises, RCB seem to have the most fragile mental make-up, giving away too much ground to their rivals in past editions. But starting with a victory could well define a new chapter for Kohli’s men.
