IPL 2023: The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are in a precarious position after their demoralizing defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders in their second match of the Indian Premier League. They now face a tough challenge from the rejuvenated Lucknow Super Giants in Bangalore on Monday.
The RCB were initially in control against the Knight Riders, but a stunning counter-attack by Shardul Thakur and Rinku Singh, who put on a 100-run partnership in less than eight overs, proved too much for the Bangalore bowlers. RCB must now find a way to raise their bowling level, especially in the absence of two of their best bowlers, Wanindu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood.
One player who will be key for RCB is Glenn Maxwell. The Australian all-rounder is a superstar at the top-order, but he is currently battling poor form, having scored only one half-century in his last ten innings across formats. RCB will hope that Maxwell takes some time before going for big shots against the strong bowling attack of the Super Giants.
Maxwell’s form
In Glenn Maxwell, the RCB has a superstar at the top-order. But the Australian is now battling a poor form, having scored only one half-century in his last 10 innings across formats.
Maxwell had a great chance to be the hero against KKR after the fall of Virat Kohli and Du Plessis during the run-chase at the Eden Gardens.
But the 34-year-old batsman was guilty of poor shot selection as his dismissal led to Bangalore’s capitulation.
RCB will hope that the mercurial Aussie takes a bit of time before going for the big shots against the strong bowling attack of Super Giants.
Karthik puzzle
Du Plessis faces a selection dilemma for the match against Lucknow. Dinesh Karthik came into this year’s IPL with a nightmarish run with the bat, scoring just 43 runs in five innings across formats.
His woes continued with scores of 0 and 9 in the first two matches for the RCB this season.
Karthik doesn’t seem to be feeling confident in the middle in what has been an astonishing change of fortunes after he played a big role in the team’s run to the playoffs last year.
The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman might be just one big knock away from finding his top gear.
But the Lucknow bowlers are probably relishing the prospect of having a go at an opponent who is struggling for rhythm.
Lucknow faces a selection dilemma with Dinesh Karthik, who has struggled with the bat in recent times, scoring just 43 runs in five innings across formats. His struggles have continued with scores of 0 and 9 in the first two matches for RCB this season. The Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper-batsman might be just one big knock away from finding his form, but the Lucknow bowlers are probably relishing the prospect of having a go at an opponent who is struggling for rhythm.
Ravi Bishnoi is a trump card for Lucknow. The 22-year-old leg-spinner has picked up six wickets in the first three matches at just 12.50. With the hugely experienced Amit Mishra guiding him, Bishnoi can trouble the RCB batsmen who failed miserably against the KKR spinners in their last game. The contest between Virat Kohli and Bishnoi will be fascinating if the Indian superstar survives the power-play overs. This is a battle that could decide the game.
In his own right, Krunal Pandya is a great T20 player. Not quite as explosive as his more famous younger brother Hardik, Krunal is formidable with both bat and ball. He showed that with an impressive all-round display against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, helping Lucknow bounce back from their defeat to Chennai Super Kings. His skills will be key to Lucknow’s hopes this season.
RCB has won both their previous encounters with Lucknow, but this year’s Lucknow team is rejuvenated and poses a significant threat. The match promises to be an exciting one, with both teams fighting hard for a win. The game starts at 6 pm in Bangalore.
In conclusion, while RCB needs to bounce back from their recent defeat, the rejuvenated Lucknow Super Giants pose a significant threat to their chances of victory. The game promises to be exciting, with several factors that could decide the outcome. With the match being just a few hours away, fans are eagerly waiting to see who comes out on top.
