IPL 2021: PBKS vs RCB, Match 26 – How can Royal Challengers Bangalore get past Punjab Kings today?

IPL 2021: PBKS vs RCB, Match 26 – How can Royal Challengers Bangalore get past Punjab Kings today?

RCB

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lock horns with Punjab Kings (PBKS) today at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Virat Kohli-led side could go back to the top of the table with a win today while KL Rahul‘s PBKS are the ones who are in desperate need of a win today. On the reasonably slow wicket at Ahmedabad, this match could turn out to be a cracker of a contest.

Despite the fact that RCB begin this match as favourites, they can ill afford to underestimate the Kings. The latter boast of some of the best talents (and former RCB players) in the likes of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Chris Gayle. If one of the three get going, it would be difficult to stop the onslaught. RCB should also be wary of avoiding a batting collapse like the one against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

On that note, we take a look at how RCB can defeat PBKS today.

IPL 2021: PBKS vs RCB – Key for RCB #1: Price out PBKS’ top order

Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul
Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul

Punjab Kings have had their bulk of scoring coming from the top order. Skipper KL Rahul is among the highest run-getters in the tournament so far while Mayank Agarwal has complemented him well, bar a few failures. Although Chris Gayle has looked rusty, he can be a dangerous man on his day.

If one of the top three get going for PBKS, it would be extremely difficult for RCB to stop the onslaught. The key would thus, be to price out the top three early to expose the middle order. If that happens, the Challengers would be right on top.

IPL 2021: PBKS vs RCB – Key for RCB #2: Be wary of collapses

AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers

RCB are not a side who bat deep. The entirety of the batting line-up depends on four individuals in Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers. Although the others have chipped in, it would take some effort to overshadow the aforementioned four and come up with a match-winning knock.

This concentration of contributions means that RCB are also susceptible to a batting collapse. That was exactly what happened against CSK where all four failed. It almost happened in the previous match against Delhi Capitals (DC) until de Villiers rescued them as well. Therefore, the Challengers will have to be wary of such collapses today.

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