IPL 2021 Match 26 Preview | Punjab vs Bangalore Preview

Match Details

Date: 30 April 2021

Time: 7:30 PM (IST)

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Live Ball-by-Ball Commentary: SportsTiger App

Preview

With IPL 2021 entering the crucial middle-phase of the season, it's time for match no. 26 where struggling Punjab Kings side will lock horns with high-flying Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad.

Both the sides have had a rather contrasting start this year. While RCB come to this contest with 10 points, PBKS only have 4 points to their name. Virat Kohli's side are in pursuit of a top 2 finish and cannot afford to put their foot off the pedal with Delhi and Chennai also in race. On the other hand, KL Rahul's men are in desperate need for a win to keep themselves in contention with the mid-table battle getting very close.

Talking about the conditions, there has been a lot of dew seen on the field especially after 8:30 PM in Ahmedabad. Hence, the toss could play a major role as batting will become fairly easier in the second half of the game. With such high stakes, the fans can certainly expect a nail-biting contest between two star-studded sides on Friday.

Team News

Punjab Kings:

KL Rahul's side will have a few concerns regarding team selection especially with someone like Dawid Malan sitting on the bench. There is a high possibility that the world no. 1 T20 batsman might get an opportunity in this contest in place of either Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran or Moises Henriques.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Virat Kohli's team is looking quite solid and have been on top of their game this season. The addition of Daniel Sams and Rajat Patidar has certainly given them balance in all departments and they might want to continue with the winning combination.

Head-to-head

Matches played: 26

Punjab Kings: 14

Royal Challengers Bangalore: 12

Key Players

Devdutt Padikkal:

The left-handed opener took the tournament by storm after scoring a scintillating century against Rajasthan Royals few days back. Padikkal has been playing an extremely aggressive style of cricket at top of the order. With 188 runs at a strike-rate of 154.09, the 20-year-old is going to be key in this contest.

Mohammed Shami:

The pacer is the spearhead of Punjab Kings' bowling attack and has been quite impressive for them for last two years. While Shami might have not been at his absolute best this season so far, he has still managed to take 7 wickets at an economy of 7.68. The 30-year-old will certainly be vital against a dangerous batting lineup of RCB.

Harshal Patel:

The purple-cap holder has been a revelation for Virat Kohli's side this season, having already taken 17 wickets in the tournament. Patel has certainly solved the death-bowling woes for his side and has emerged out to be one of the most important players for RCB. The 30-year-old will need to be at the top of his game against an explosive Punjab side.

Probable Playing XI

Punjab Kings:

KL Rahul (c/wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle/Dawid Malan, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi