RCB vs GT Preview – Bangalore eye a clean win to reserve a table for 4
After thumping Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last outing, Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on league leaders and reigning champions Gujarat Titans in the final league fixture of IPL 2023. Faf du Plessis’ side, who are yet to seal their playoff berth, will face Gujarat at the Chinnaswamy.
The Bangalore-based outfit dispatched Sunirsers Hyderabad in their last outing. A masterful ton by batting superstar Virat Kohli sealed victory for men in Red & Gold. It was his record-setting opening stand with Faf du Plessis that laid the platform for a crucial victory for RCB.
Meanwhile, the league leaders Gujarat Titans head into the contest with their playoff spot already sealed after their sumptuous victory. Hardik Pandya’s side are looking likely to defend their crown this season after yet another impressive campaign.
Pitch and conditions
It will be a tough outing for the bowlers at the Chinnaswamy. The batters are expected to take full advantage of a belter of a surface in Bangalore. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bat first, influenced by the result in the last game.
Venue details: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
Last T20 match at the venue: KKR- 200/5 (20 overs) RB- 179/8 (20 overs)
Here’s the probable playing XI for Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans:
Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Men in Red and Gold are heavily dependent on their top three batters to get the runs this season. However, it is RCB’s bowling which has really improved this season. Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj at his mercurial best with the new ball.
Gujarat Titans
Hardik Pandya’s team has been an unstoppable force this season as they have got all the bases covered in the ongoing edition of the tournament. Young Indian opener Shubman Gill is in the form of his life with Afghan stars Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed weaving magic with the ball in hand. However, it has been Hardik’s captaincy that has been their most impressive virtue this season.