IPL 2023 - Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Preview, Expected XI & Fantasy XI Tips

Punjab Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 27th game of Indian Premier League 2023 at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday (April 20).

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Match Preview

• IPL 2023 - Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Preview
• Time : 3:30 PM IST
• Venue : Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali

Punjab Kings have won three matches from the five games played so far in the tournament.  On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore have won just two games out of the five matches played.

Punjab got off to a good start in the IPL 2023, winning the first two matches, but they failed to carry the momentum and lost the next two games. In their last game, they recorded their third victory of the season when they beat Lucknow Super Giants under the leadership of Sam Curran.

Shikhar Dhawan, who is expected to join the team after missing the previous game due to a shoulder injury. With 233 runs this season, he is also the leading run-scorer for Punjab. In the middle, the team will depend on the services of Matthew Short, who is looking good and can be an important player. They have a balanced attack in the form of Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, and Kagiso Rabada, who will handle the pace attack, and Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar will handle the spin department. With 8 wickets, Arshdeep Singh leading the wickets tally for Punjab this season

RCB have just two wins from the five matches they have played so far. They are definitely a better team than their present standing in the points table. 

Skipper Faf du Plessis has scored 259 runs, while his opening partner Virat Kohli has scored 220 runs this season so far. Mohammed Siraj, with 8 wickets, is the leading wicket-taker for the team.

PBKS vs RCB - Head-to-Head In IPL

Matches - 30

PBKS - 17 (57%)

RCB - 13 (43%)

Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali - Pitch Report & Ground Stats

• Matches Played - 57
• Wins For Batting First - 24
• Wins For Batting Second - 33
• Average First Innings score - 165

Mohali has a good batting wicket. Due to some bounce it will help the fast bowlers early in the innings but as the game progresses, the batsman can play flawlessly on this pitch. 

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Expected XI   

Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan (C), Phil Salt, Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar  

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Suyash Prabhudessai, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Wayne Parnell, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Fantasy XI   

Keeper – Jitesh Sharma (VC), Dinesh Karthik  

Batsmen – Faf du Plessis (C), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Virat Kohli  

All-rounders – Glenn Maxwell, Sikandar Raza (VC)  

Bowlers – Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammed Siraj

Also Read: IPL 2023 Points Table

*The Fantasy XI is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.