Royal Challengers Bangalore have found a lucky chance to face well balanced Lucknow Super Giants in the eliminator. Both teams are exposed to the threat of being eliminated if they err from perfection of their plans. RCB, less or more, is confident because auspicious sign has elevated them to the fourth place.
Coming to the team, Lucknow Super Giants is more settled and balanced when it comes to significant roles. There is no pulling back element in the team but captain KL Rahul has massively misplaced Marcus Stoinis’s batting position. For Melbourne Stars, he has batted at number 3 and 4, and once he gets going from that position, he can easily accumulate continuously 15 runs an over. So, his role will be a massive factor and deciding the tide of the match.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have found their soul back in the tournament as Mumbai Indians showed way off to Delhi Capitals. For last couple of matches, there has been too much concentration of Virat Kohli’s form. This could backfire as players who are consistent with contribution will feel detached. Royal Challengers Bangalore has to make sure that they step up as a team with mutual goals and common efforts. Wanindu Hasaranga has been exceptional with the ball in the middle overs while Mohammad Siraj’s figures isn’t impressive.
Considering the magnitude of the match, bowlers will play a key role, perhaps a deciding role when both teams will come against each other. LSG has able power hitters who can club the ball away while RCB has troubling but not potentially striking bowling attack. There will be massive responsibility on Wanindu Hasaranga and Josh Hazlewood to lead the bowling attack. Maxwell has been a banker for RCB in almost every match he has played.
Quinton De Kock in coming from a phenomenal form and he is likely to go ahead. Faf Du Plessis will need to launch an attack and he is known for doing magic in playoffs as he did for Chennai Super Kings.
Eden Gardens is a hard ground to defend and with due coming to play, it just becomes one-sided knockout. Batting first, a team will at least need 195 to give a cushion to the bowlers.