KXIP vs RCB IPL 2019 preview: Bangalore’s search for maiden win continues

Six defeats in six games. How low can RCB sink? This is what dejected fans of RCB will be thinking when Bangalore meets Punjab on April 13. But the focus will be on their new recruit, Dale Steyn who will have to restore RCB’s bowling arsenal back on track.

R Ashwin has marshaled his troops well in the Indian Premier League but the team needs to do a little more to ensure they cross the line first. A team loaded with star players makes Punjab a tough opponent and this makes RCB’s task difficult as they still search for their first win in IPL 2019.

?? #TheSteynGun Fast. Ruthless. Precise. And he's ready to #BringIt!! #PlayBold @DaleSteyn62 pic.twitter.com/lzJHMcuV56

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 12, 2019

Venue:

A bit of turn, some bounce for pacers and a lot of support for the batsmen. Given the batting might of both teams, this contest should tilt in the batsmen’s favor but don’t forget the high-quality spinners featuring from both camps.

Form guide:

Rahul is batting at his best, the middle-order is in form and Punjab now has one of the strongest batting line-ups in IPL 2019. The spinners have been consistent as well but the pace attack needs more discipline.

Sadde desi mundeyaan ne kamaal kar ditta with their admirable performances in #VIVOIPL 2019. ?

Who has impressed you the most?#SaddaPunjab #KXIP pic.twitter.com/J9mBnDKYIa

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 12, 2019

The fact that they have lost all their six games tells the miserable story of RCB. Their batting is in shatters but most importantly their pace attack has looked tooth-less.

Key numbers:

• In head to head battles , both teams have shared the honors. In 22 matches Punjab has won 12 while RCB has won 10.

Players in focus:

A stunning hundred in the last game has killed all the doubts hoovering over KL Rahul’s form. He has three fifty plus scores in the last three innings and has remained not-out in the last two innings.

After a slow start, he has now 317 runs in IPL 2019 his second best in any season so far.

Also check the MI vs RR match preview

With just two wickets in four games, Umesh Yadav has had a poor outing in IPL season 12. But he can be brought back in the team for the clash against Punjab as he has 26 wickets against them, his most against any IPL team.

Most importantly he can be used as a match-up against Gayle as he has got him out three times so far.