Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders will clash in the second game of the UAE leg of IPL 2021 on September 20th. While RCB is sitting with ten points from seven games, KKR has got just six points in the same number of games. Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the encounter. In this article, we take a look at RCB and KKR predicted playing XI for the game.
RCB predicted playing XI
Royal Challengers Bangalore, despite a few weaknesses, managed to win five games in the first phase of IPL 2021. However, they have been rocked back with a few unavailabilities and injuries ahead of the UAE leg. Hence, the predicted XI will be forced to have a few changes from the strongest XI in the first phase. Therefore, in the RCB and KKR predicted playing XI from the India leg, there will be some differences.
The core of the batting unit will remain the same, although the No.3 spot could be up for grabs. KS Bharat is in good form, but the management might back Rajat Patidar. Wanindu Hasaranga could replace Washington Sundar in the XI, while Kyle Jamieson is likely to retain his place. Purple cap holder Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Siraj will form the rest of the bowling attack.
Playing XI: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (WK), Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal.
KKR predicted playing XI
KKR‘s batting unit failed in the first phase despite fielding the strongest possible XI. At least for the initial games in UAE, the management is likely to stick with the same combination. Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi will open unless Sunil Narine is drafted back at the top.
The middle-order is experienced, and the management will hope that it would come good. Due to shorter grounds, KKR might have an extra pacer instead of a spinner. Hence, Shivam Mavi or Kamlesh Nagarkoti might get a chance. Although Lockie Ferguson is the best option to replace Pat Cummins, he has recovered from COVID recently and hence, fellow Kiwi Tim Southee might get a game.
Playing XI: Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi, and Varun CV
