IPL 2020 Match 31 RCB v KXIP Betting Preview

Match Details
Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kings XI Punjab
Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah
Thursday, 15th October
16:00 SA Time

IPL 2020: Match 31- RCB v KXIP Preview, Prediction, Probable Playing XI and Value bets.

Betting Preview

As we head on to the 31st encounter of Dream 11 IPL, it is the clash between two teams who have had contrasting fortunes this season as a revamped Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) take on a dejected Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at Sharjah. RCB has almost cemented their place in the play-offs whereas KXIP are on the verge of losing all probabilities of advancing in the tournament. This is the second game between the two teams this season, the first being completely dominated by Punjab as they defeated RCB by a huge margin of 97 runs.

After three consecutive dry-seasons where RCB finished at the bottom of the table twice, things must be looking fabulous in the RCB camp as they have been in fine form this season winning 5 of their 7 games and look well on track to make it to the playoffs for the first time in 4 years. They have worked hard on their weaknesses and have come out at a much stronger side this season.

Their opening pair of Aaron Finch and Devdutt Padikkal has performed exceptionally well in most of their games, giving RCB a solid start and a set platform for the likes of ABD and Virat Kohli to capitalise on. They will look to get as many runs as they can in the powerplay without losing wickets like the last time they faced Punjab. Virat Kohli and ABD have been the torch-bearers of RCB’s successful campaign and with both of them in deadly form, things don’t look so good for the Punjab bowlers.

RCB comes into the game riding high on confidence after producing a near-perfect performance against KKR, beating them by 82 runs in Sharjah itself. The bowling department has looked solid this time around with Washington Sundar being a revelation for the Bangalore side and he has consistently produced tight spells throughout the tournament picking up timely wickets. Chahal has been as lethal as ever, weaving magic with his deliveries. The addition of Chris Morris has strengthened the death bowling and he has looked dangerous as well.

On the other hand, KXIP have looked clueless and their only win this season have come against RCB. Only a miracle can save their campaign and mathematically speaking, they will have to win all of their next 7 games to even stand a chance to make it to the play-offs.They have had trouble holding on to their nerves as they have ended up on the losing side in multiple close encounters.

The opening pair of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal has been the best opening pair this season and both of them sit on the top 2 positions in the list of highest run-getters this season. Apart from Nicholas Pooran, the middle order has looked quite weak and in case of an early departure of either of the openers, Punjab will find themselves in huge trouble. Glenn Maxwell has been very disappointing with both the bat and the ball and will be itching to get his form back and repeat his 2014 heroics.

The addition of Arshdeep Singh has worked in Punjab’s favour-bowling in tandem with Mohammad Shami, the pair have bowled tight overs in the top end of the innings, picking up crucial wickets. Even the young Ravi Bishnoi has been very impressive with the ball. But the likes of Chris Jordan and Mujeeb Ur Rehman have been leaking way too many runs and letting the game slip away from them.

Punjab comes into the game after a disappointing loss of 2 runs against KKR. Looking in full command of the run chase, KXIP choked at the end and with 21 required off 16 balls, they sent in young Simran Singh even though they had the option of Glenn Maxwell at their disposal. They have had a long 5-day break since the game and hopefully, it gave them enough time to introspect and work on their flaws. On paper, RCB ticks all the boxes and with their new found self-belief, it will be a mounting task for Punjab to contain them.

Injury and Availability News

None.

Probable Playing XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Aaron Finch, Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), AB de Villiers (wk), Shivam Dube, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Washington Sundar, Isuru Udana, Navdeep Saini, Adam Zampa, Yuzvendra Chahal

Kings XI Punjab

KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Simran Singh (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh

Key Players to watch out for

AB De Villiers: de Villiers has been RCB’s frontline batsman since his inclusion in the side in 2011. The all-time second-highest run-getter for RCB, it will be upon him to carry his side over the line and to shape up RCB’s campaign. He has amassed 228 runs in the 7 matches that RCB has played so far and is their third-highest run-scorer this season. He has won two games for Bangalore almost single-handedly. His ability to score runs all around the ground, finding gaps and accurate placements make him an important cog in the wheel for RCB and Bangalore will heavily depend on him once again.

Virat Kohli: Virat Kohli is inarguably the best white-ball player in the world and a phenomenal leader. The all-time highest run-scorer in the history of the League, Virat has been a force to reckon with at the RCB. Finally finding his form in the game against RR, Kohli went on to score 72 runs pioneering the run chase. Since then, he has looked as elegant and majestic as ever. He has delivered in almost all games since and with him back in form, it will be a tough task for the KXIP bowlers to contain him. He has been the highest run-scorer for RCB this season, scoring 256 runs from his 7 games at an average of 64.00

KL Rahul: Rahul has had a terrific run this season with the bat, even though not so much as a captain. He has led his side from the front providing them with solid starts time and again and is the highest run-scorer overall in this edition of IPL- scoring 387 runs in his 7 games at an average of 64.50. He will try his best to inspire his side to pull off a miracle. In a must-win game like this, KL is expected to go all guns blazing making things difficult for the RCB bowlers.

Value Betting

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli to be Royal Challengers Bangalore top batsman at 2.25

Yuzvendra Chahal to be Royal Challengers Bangalore top bowler at 2.00

Rajasthan Royals

KL Rahul to be Kings XI Punjab top batsman at 2.00

Mohammad Shami to be Kings XI Punjab top bowler at 2.25

Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore to win at 0.62