Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey

KXIP vs RCB Preview Dream11. Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview Dream11 Prediction

Before the start of IPL 2019, both these sides had aspirations of a top four finish. After all, both missed the playoffs in IPL 2018, courtesy of inconsistency and underwhelming finishes to the season. However, both teams have gone in the opposite direction, with those aspirations looking realistic only for today’s home team.

Kings XI Punjab are undefeated at home in IPL 2019, and play a side who haven’t won a match. Ravi Ashwin’s team have impressed so far this season, and their predicament could have been even better had it not been for Kieron Pollard’s incredible innings in Mumbai. However, they found themselves in a similar position last season, only to fall away in the second half of the season. Can KXIP keep their momentum going as the halfway point of IPL 2019 approaches?

Well, what can we say of Royal Challengers Bangalore? The last six days have been their best in the tournament, and that’s only because they haven’t played a game. With pre-tournament hopes that this could be their year, they have underwhelmed significantly, losing all six of their games. Their last game, last Sunday, saw them struggle with the bat en-route to a loss to DC. With KXIP undefeated at home so far, RCB have a big ask to get their first win. Can they do it?

Key to a KXIP win

The KL Rahul-Chris Gayle partnership came to the fore in Mumbai. These two were absolutely outstanding, complementing each other perfectly. Chris Gayle might not be available for this clash with a back complaint, and if he is out, the onus is on KL Rahul to anchor the innings at the top. Remember, KXIP were skittled for just 88 vs RCB last season. Then, the openers were out in the powerplay, which exposed the middle order. This season, though, the middle order has shown more mettle, and Ravi Ashwin will be hoping they can build on good work from the top order.

Also, with RCB having their issues against spin, the stage is set for KXIP’s spinners. The seamers were mighty expensive against MI, with only Mohammed Shami standing out with 3/21. He will be a key man in the powerplay tonight, and KXIP could look to bring back M Ashwin to target RCB’s struggles against wristspin. KXIP would be wise to take the pace off, forcing RCB to make the big plays. With RCB struggling in Chennai and Jaipur against spin, you feel this is KXIP’s best avenue for victory.

Key to a RCB win

When RCB have bowled well, their batting hasn’t held up. When they have batted well, their bowling has let them down. It has been a sorry story of a sorry season so far. To win in Mohali, RCB’s batsmen have to get the better of KXIP’s attack. Marcus Stoinis at opener is certainly a good shout, but, like always, much rests on the shoulders of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. They were both out cheaply to spin in Jaipur vs RR, and if they are out cheaply again, it’s lights out for RCB. They desperately need a complete batting performance that will then transfer the pressure back on R Ashwin’s men.

Also, Yuzvendra Chahal and Navdeep Saini have been two positives in the mess. Chahal is up challenging for the leading wicket taker role, and Saini continues to bowl with good pace. But, what support will they get? Will RCB finally bowl well as a unit? Can they get the better of KL Rahul and the KXIP top order? Tim Southee has been poor in his matches so far, and Mohammad Siraj can’t be considered as a reliable option. So, RCB need Saini and Chahal to deliver, along with Moeen Ali (who was good vs DC) and Marcus Stoinis who can deliver quality overs in limited overs cricket.

Possible Playing 11

Ankit Rajpoot went for 52 against MI, and will likely make way for a spinner. Same applies to Hardus Viljoen, who took 0/34 in the same game. Also, it remains to be seen if Chris Gayle is fit enough to play, and whether David Miller is persisted with.

KXIP: 1. KL Rahul (wk), 2. Mayank Agarwal, 3. Karun Nair, 4. David Miller/ Nicholas Pooran/Moises Henriques, 5. Sarfaraz Khan, 6. Mandeep Singh, 7. Sam Curran, 8. Ravichandran Ashwin (c), 9. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 10. Murugan Ashwin, 11. Mohammed Shami

Umesh Yadav had a game to remember in his last game vs KXIP. He could get a look here with RCB needing powerplay wickets. Dale Steyn has been confirmed as a replacement for the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile, but is only available for selection after April 15.

RCB: 1. Virat Kohli (c), 2. Parthiv Patel (wk), 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Marcus Stoinis, 5. Moeen Ali, 6. Akshdeep Nath, 7. Pawan Negi, 8. Tim Southee, 9. Umesh Yadav, 10. Yuzvendra Chahal, 11. Navdeep Saini

Dream11 Prediction

Also read: What are your thoughts on Dream11 changing their deadline time?

Looking for a different opinion on the team to pick? Subscribe to Deekays Prediction YouTube channel.

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 22, KXIP 12, RCB 10. In Mohali, it is three wins a piece.
• RCB beat KXIP twice in IPL 2018.
• RCB have lost 21 wickets to spin this season (most of any team), scoring at an economy rate of just 6.05.
• KXIP have won seven straight matches at Mohali.

Match Prediction

A massive ask for RCB. They are yet to win a game, struggling against spin, and come up against a side with good spinners and seven straight home wins.

Hard to see anything other than a KXIP win.

Thanks for reading!