One of the most anticipated days of the tournament is upon us. Team India’s captain Virat Kohli will begin his campaign as Royal Challengers Bangalore will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad.

It will be interesting to see how a rejuvenated RCB will battle probably the most balanced team in the entire IPL. However, with Kohli, De Villiers, Finch, Warner, and Bairstow, expect fireworks!

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB got number 3 ranked T20 batsman Aaron Finch for a relatively low fee, which was probably one of the best buys of the IPL 2020 Auction. RCB, however, still faces the same problem which they’ve always had with their batting order. The only keeping options they have are of Parthiv Patel and Josh Phillipe. Phillipe might not make the team due to the restriction of four foreign players. Patel, on the other hand, is fruitful only when used at the top order.

This will have Patel opening with probably Finch and push Kohli and de Villiers down the order where they might not get many balls. They may have Kohli to open with Patel, de Villiers at 3. This will have Finch at 4 where he won’t be relatively effective as well.

Bowling has always been the sinking factor for RCB, especially their pace bowlers. However, the basic structure of their pace bowling is still the same.

Sunrisers Hyderabad

The team will feature the destructive opening pair of David Warner and Johnny Bairstow. They will be followed by the equally destructive Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey.  Sunrisers have always been known for their bowling department. The fast bowling, in particular, is completely stacked unchanged. The spin bowling may not seem stacked, however, it includes one of the best T20 bowlers in the world, Rashid Khan.

Fantasy XI team

VIRAT KOHLI (10.5) (C) – It will be very interesting to see a rejuvenated Virat Kohli. It’ll be safe to assign him as a captain keeping his consistency in mind.

JOHNNY BAIRSTOW (9.5) – Baistow is coming off an aggressive hundred against Australia. He has been in great touch throughout the entire season as well.

AARON FINCH (9.0) – Finch has been in sublime touch as well. Also, he is expected to stay long as Parthiv Patel goes berserk on the opposite end.

DAVID WARNER (10.5) – Warner has been in really good form and he’s an impact player who can change the course of the game.

MOEEN ALI (8.5) – Moeen Ali has been a breath of fresh air for RCB last season. He looked in decent form for England this season as well.

SHIVAM DUBEY (8 ) – Dubey may be a debatable pick. However, keeping his credits and slogging ability in mind, he can actually be a beneficial pick.

WASHINGTON SUNDAR (8) – Sundar has been a staple in powerplay overs. He takes wickets and is handy with the bat as well.

YUZVENDRA CHAHAL (9) – Chahal has developed into a phenomenal and intelligent limited over spinner.

NAVDEEP SAINI (8.5) – Saini has been a positive for RCB in both powerplay and death overs.

RASHID KHAN (9.5) (VC) – Rashid Khan will be extremely dangerous on UAE pitches. On top of that, he can bat and field as well. He, therefore, becomes my vice-captain as well.

BHUVANESHWAR KUMAR (9) – Bhuvaneshwar Kumar can pick up wickets both in powerplay and death overs. He will lead the Sunrisers bowling lineup.

Prediction

It is difficult to pick against SRH hence they will get the job done. Counting out RCB will be a huge mistake though, keeping in mind their improved team.

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