The match 36 of IPL 2023 between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, 26 April promises to be an exciting contest. Bangalore is on the fifth position in the points table, while Kolkata is on the eighth position.
RCB, led by Faf du Plessis, have won four and lost three matches so far, while KKR, captained by Nitish Rana, have won two and lost five matches in their campaign. In the last match, RCB secured a comfortable victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Meanwhile, KKR were dominated by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last match.
Two highly skilled teams are set to collide in what promises to be an exciting match. With both the teams eager to secure their fifth and third win in the IPL 2023. Both teams have played seven matches in this season. Bangalore has won 14 games, while Kolkata has won 17 games so far in the head to head encounters.
Also Read: IPL 2023 RCB vs KKR Batting Stats: Highest Score, Best Strike Rate, Highest Average and More
Here are three player battles to watch out for during RCB vs KKR match:
1) Faf du Plessis vs Varun Chakravarthy
Faf du Plessis has been the standout batsman of IPL 2023, having already surpassed the 400-run mark. He has been dominant against all types of bowlers, with the exception of the mystery spin trio of KKR that got the better of him in a previous match. Now, Faf will be determined to prove himself against KKR’s lead bowler, Varun Chakravarthy, who has been consistent despite the team’s mixed performances. Chakravarthy will be crucial in halting Faf’s impressive run.
2) Virat Kohli vs Umesh Yadav
Virat Kohli and Umesh Yadav have had a fierce competition in recent times, which has gone somewhat unnoticed in the IPL. Yadav has developed into a reliable new-ball bowler since the last season, and he will look to challenge Kohli, who has struggled against KKR in recent years. Kohli has been in good form this season and will aim to get on top of Yadav early on in the match.
3) Glenn Maxwell vs Suyash Sharma
Glenn Maxwell has been in fine form recently, particularly in the fourth week of the IPL, and has been instrumental in protecting RCB’s weak middle order. He will look to assert himself against KKR’s young mystery spinner, Suyash Sharma, who was the only KKR bowler to concede less than 8 runs per over in their last match against CSK. This contest could potentially provide some fireworks in the match.