RCB Heavylifters in Top-four Race

This season, inconsistent results will not be enough to secure progress, especially for teams like Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis’ Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Just as they appear to make a breakthrough, they are quickly pulled back down.

With an equal number of wins and losses, both at home and away, RCB is currently on the outside looking in at the intense top-four race.

RCB’s upcoming six-game stint on the road, which begins on Monday at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, is critical for their upward surge in the points table.

This challenge comes amidst the impending Karnataka elections.

However, the bowlers, such as Harshal Patel and Wanindu Hasaranga, may find it easier to bowl on a venue with the lowest average first innings score this season (152), as they have struggled on the true pitches at home this season.

The fate of RCB will depend on the performance of their batting heavyweights Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell on a ground where the ball will not come onto the bat easily.

Also Read:

How to Calculate Projected Score in Cricket

Indian National Cricket Team

Cricket Match Prediction Formula

T20 Ranking 2023 Man

इंडिया नॅशनल क्रिकेट टीम

The trio, with an average strike rate of 162.34 this season, may have to play with more caution, considering the struggles of other batters around them.

Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have mixed feelings about returning to Lucknow, as their batting unit struggled on sluggish home pitches this season.

However, their bowlers have been exceptional, picking up 30 wickets in four fixtures and having the best average, strike rate, and economy rate for a home side this season.

The last meeting between LSG and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this season resulted in a final ball finish at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

Though runs might not be as easily available at LSG’s home ground, a close contest can be expected, even if it’s low-scoring, given the strengths of the two teams.

The match will take place on May 1, 2023, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The average first innings score of 152 is the lowest across venues this season, and thunderstorms are expected an hour before the game.

However, it is anticipated that it will not have an impact on the game.

The availability of Marcus Stoinis for LSG will depend on his fitness test on Sunday.

Avesh Khan has done well previously against both RCB openers, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, and Amit Mishra may have spicier contests with Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.

The slow surface at the venue may side with the veteran leggie.

The fitness status of Josh Hazlewood for RCB remains unknown.

Harshal Patel may be RCB’s man to stop Marcus Stoinis, while if Harshal’s hand injury hasn’t fully healed, he may be used as an impact player.

KL Rahul has hit 628 runs at a strike rate of 145.03 in 13 innings against former employers RCB, while Kohli and du Plessis have hit 504 runs for the opening stand this season, including two century alliances, at an average of 63.00.