IPL 2019 – Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore taking place? Saturday 13th April, 15:30 (UK)
Where is Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore taking place? Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Chandigarh
What is the expected weather for Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? 30c forecast with cloud but no rain and 55% humidity
What channel is Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport ESPN
Where can I stream Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore? https://www.iplt20.com/schedule
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Kings XI Punjab W12, Royal Challengers Bangalore W10
Last meeting: Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Kings XI Punjab by 10 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
KINGS XI PUNJAB
Coach: Mike Hesson
Captain: Ravi Ashwin
- Kings XI Punjab sit on eight points from seven matches played and they come off a disappointing loss to Mumbai Indians in which they failed to defend an excellent total of 197/4 batting first, losing to a Kieron Pollard-inspired Indians team on the final ball of the match.
- That defeat may have come at a larger price as Ankit Rajpoot picked up a hand injury in that game which did not help his bowling, while Chris Gayle was unable to field at all after picking up a back strain and that puts his participation in some doubt here. Mayank Agarwal is a doubt with an injury too.
- Nicholas Pooran could be asked to come into the side if Gayle does not make it, although they may also be tempted to give Moises Henriques a start as he can offer them a sixth bowling option if required, which they lack based on the team they have fielded in the last couple of matches.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BANGALORE
Coach: Gary Kirsten
Captain: Virat Kohli
- Royal Challengers have had almost one week since their last match, a sixth consecutive defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals, so they will be hoping that the break has allowed them to regroup as they try and find their first win of the tournament.
- They should be able to count upon Nathan Coulter-Nile who is finally available to play and he should come straight into the team at the expense of Tim Southee who has struggled in his two games, being hit for 85 from his 6 overs.
- They are unlikely to make many other changes but Virat Kohli will be hoping for a vastly improved display in all facets, especially in the field where they have dropped far too many catches and are gifting second chances to opposition, along with leaking too many runs.
THE PREDICTION
It is very difficult to have confidence in this Royal Challengers Bangalore side in any match after seeing them lose their opening six and their confidence drain. The break in matches should help them regain some energy for the second-half of the group stage but they desperately need a win soon. Kings XI Punjab have a handful of fitness doubts so they may have to make changes but they are still far more consistent and reliable than RCB. Barring some fireworks from Kohli and De Villiers, it is hard to see them winning on the road here.
