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IPL 2021: RCB look to bounce back against Delhi Capitals

After suffering first defeat in IPL 2021 last weekend, Royal Challengers Bangalore is all set to take on Delhi Capitals on Tuesday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Rishabh Pant’s team comes into this game after two back-to-back wins in Chennai, including a super over win against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams have been impressive with a record of winning four out the five matches in IPL 2021.

In terms of head-to-head record, RCB has a clear edge over Delhi Capitals. Virat Kohli’s men have won 14 out of 25 encounters against Delhi.  This season’s clash between Delhi and RCB will be taking place in Ahmedabad, which has produced some good tracks for spin bowlers. The ball will grip, and spinners will find assistance, but well-set batsmen can cash since there is value for good cricketing shots on this pitch. A score of 150-160 is likely to be a par score on this pitch.

Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa will be unavailable for RCB as the Australian duo has returned home due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Delhi will be without Ravichandran Ashwin since the off-spinner is taking a break from IPL 2021 due to covid related situation in his family.

Delhi Capitals won their previous match by a small margin. Kagiso Rabada has not been at his best this season, while Marcus Stoinis is finding it hard to make an impact with either the bat or the ball. Shimron Hetmyer has next to no runs to his name, and even Steve Smith has looked a bit rusty, but they have still managed to win four games. Delhi has been very dependent on Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, and Prithvi Shaw in the batting department. Avesh Khan has been quite good with the ball but Delhi will need every player to start firing to win their maiden IPL title.

RCB has looked like the team to beat this season. Virat Kohli has been batting quite well without being at his best and Glenn Maxwell seems to have found back his mojo. AB de Villiers and Devdutt Padikkal have been in fine knick during IPL 2021.  Although they seem to be lacking performances from Washington Sundar, Rajat Patidar with the bat, so maybe Mohammad Azharudeen could be given a chance sooner rather than later.

Mohammad Siraj and Harshal Patel have been the standout bowlers for RCB this season.  Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal has struggled for wickets and Navdeep Saini leaked runs in a single appearance he has made in IPL 2021. Kyle Jamieson has been economical in the powerplay overs. RCB’s bowling unit is looking strongest in four or five seasons.

Predicted Teams

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli (c),  Devdutt  Padikkal,  Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Washington Sundar, Daniel Christian, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Shahbaz Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Delhi Capitals: Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Steven Smith, Rishabh Pant (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan

Key Battles to watch out

Prithvi Shaw vs Kyle Jamieson

Kyle Jamieson has been economical for RCB in the powerplay, while Prithvi Shaw adopts aggressive approach in first six overs for DC. Shaw has scored two half centuries this season, while Jamieson has six wickets in five games. It will be a fascinating battle between these two players as Jamieson could pepper Shaw with bouncers.

Devdutt Paddikal vs Kagiso Rabada

Paddikal has found back his mojo in the last two games including a century against Rajasthan Royals. Kagiso Rabada is likely to open the bowling for Delhi, so the South African bowler will have to keep Padikkal quiet in powerplay.  Rabada has not been at his best this season, but he can flip this lean patch with one big performance on Tuesday. The outcome of this matchup will have a big say in the result of this game.

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