RCB vs KKR IPL 2022: Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted Playing 11

RCB has managed to retain its core base of players with some minor changes here and there. This year the responsibility of achieving their maiden IPL title will be on the shoulders of Faf du Plessis. RCB has 3 Australians in their squad namely, Jason Behrendorff, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, and none of them will be available till April 6th. But still in their absence RCB is a very solid team. Wanindu Hasaranga will lead the spin attack while Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj shall be their powerplay and death over bowlers.

They did not go off to the best of starts in their first match against Punjab Kings. Even after posting a massive score of 205 runs in their first inning, they failed to defend the score and lost the match by 5 wickets. RCB will now be facing Kolkata Knight Riders in their second match. But before that, the bowlers need to pull up their socks. They can also include the experienced Siddarth Kaul in the playing 11 for Akash Deep who struggled to bowl especially at their death. With all the options at their disposal let’s have look at the strongest predicted Playing 11 for Royal Challengers Bangalore ahead of their next match.

RCB Playing 11

1. Faf du Plessis
2. Anuj Rawat
3. Virat Kohli
4. Dinesh Karthik
5. Sherfane Rutherford
6. Finn Allen
7. Karn Sharma
8. Wanindu Hasaranga
9. Harshal Patel
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Siddharth Kaul

Openers: Faf du Plessis & Anuj Rawat

RCB embraced a completely new opening pair in du Plessis and Anuj Rawat. Faf du Plessis played a pivotal role in the last match against PBKS. He looks in sublime form and the best part is it’s from the start of their campaign. RCB had a few positives to take from the PBKS game. One of them was Anuj Rawat’s contribution at the top. The southpaw batted well and scored a handy 21 runs which is a good sign for them. He can play with freedom just like what Ruturaj had done for CSK. 

Player	Runs	Matches	Strike Rate
Faf du Plessis	3023	101	131.66
Anuj Rawat	21	3	100.1

Middle Order: Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik, Sherfane Rutherford & Finn Allen

Maxwell can once again be their trump card as he was last year. But he remains unavailable like the other Australian players in the squad. RCB would be eagerly waiting for his return to the squad. Kohli as we know would be more effective in his natural best position at No. 3. Followed by Dinesh Karthik who added to the misery of PBKS bowlers with his quickfire innings.

Till Glenn Maxwell is not available, West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford can be inducted into the line-up. The dasher can score quick runs alongside bowling some handy overs if needed. Finn Allen also brings the same attributes to the table. The youngster has been impressive in Super Smash lately and would be raring to make a mark in his debut season in IPL.

Player	Runs	Matches	Strike Rate
Virat Kohli	6324	208	130.02
Dinesh Karthik	3790	199	129.97
Sherfane Rutherford	73	8	135.19
Finn Allen	156	6	190.24

Finisher/ All Rounder: Karn Sharma, Wanindu Hasaranga

Shahbaz Ahmed could be replaced by Karn Sharma. The leg spinner has been an experienced campaigner in IPL being a part of title-winning teams earlier. The conditions at Dy Patil Stadium will favor his spin. Whereas Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has made a name for himself in the last couple of years. The young leg-spinner is a genuine wicket-taker and his batting capabilities make him an even greater asset.

Player	Runs	Matches	Strike Rate	Wickets
Karn Sharma	316	67	116.61	59
Wanindu Hasaranga	345	35	120.62	57

Bowlers: Harshal Patel & Mohammed Siraj, Siddharth Kaul

The last two spots in the line-up will be occupied by pacers Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj. The two fast bowlers were brilliant for RCB in 2022 and played an instrumental role in taking the side to the playoffs. Harshal even bagged the Purple Cap with 32 wickets. Siraj was also impressed with the new ball and in the death overs as well. They need to forget the first match against PBKS and need to make amends. They can also include the experienced Siddarth Kaul in the playing 11 for Akash Deep who struggled to bowl especially at the death.

Player	Matches	Wickets	Economy	Best
Harshal Patel	64	79	8.59	5/27
Mohammed Siraj	51	52	8.53	4/32
Siddharth Kaul	54	58	8.59	4/29

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