Punjab Kings, RCB aim to take a step closer to the summit

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer will hope the group rides the momentum to put it throughout Royal Challengers Bengaluru to attain the IPL title conflict.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

In earlier IPL seasons, the overarching themes linking Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru had been achingly comparable. They plunged from one season to one other with out ever getting a probability to hoist the glittering trophy, engulfed by tears, heartbreaks and anguish that was deep-rooted feelings.

They have struck an identical chord in the 18th version too. But in a refreshing departure from years passed by, each groups can savour being amongst the standout groups this time and never permitting previous baggage to weigh them down. Irrefutable proof lies of their top-two end, which has earned them rightful spots in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium.

Neither outfit is just too conversant in this stage of the competitors. In reality, each groups have completed in the top-two at the finish of the league section solely twice earlier than. There is, in fact, loads at stake in Thursday’s conflict with a spot in the closing awaiting, however the shedding facet getting two bites at the cherry ought to ease the nerves throughout.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru might be anticipating Josh Hazlewood to be obtainable to play in Qualifier 1 towards Punjab Kings.
| Photo Credit:
SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

RCB sealed its spot in Qualifier 1 with a thrilling victory over Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday. Chasing 228, Jitesh Sharma batted like a beast, scoring a sensational 33-ball 85 not out and underlining that there’s extra to this batting line-up than simply Virat Kohli.

Concerns persist, although, about the bowling unit. It has conceded 200-plus in every of its final three video games. Much will depend upon Josh Hazlewood’s availability. He missed RCB’s final three video games due to a shoulder harm, though Jitesh mentioned on Tuesday that the Australian pacer needs to be obtainable for the playoffs. RCB will hope that Tim David has additionally recovered from a hamstring niggle.

For Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab, the absence of Marco Jansen leaves a large void. But each franchises, greater than some other maybe, know that a golden alternative to script one thing particular doesn’t come on a regular basis.