IPL 2017: Match 1: Probable Royal Challengers Bangalore XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Hyderabad, April 5: An injury-marred Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) sans skipper Virat Kohli will be locking horns with defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening game of IPL 2017 on Wednesday (April 5).

RCB will be led by former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson in the absence of South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers. (RCB Vs SRH: Preview)

IPL 2017: Match 1: Probable Royal Challengers Bangalore XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad

RCB team management would be facing a tough task finalising their playing XI as the runners-up of IPL 2016 want to start their campaign with a win.

There would be problems aplenty for the Team as some of the regular players in the side such as Kohli and De Villiers won't be playing in the first few games. KL Rahul has already been ruled out of the side.

RCB can still bank on Gayle and Watson who are both capable of destroying any opposition on their day. Kedar Jadhav, a rising Indian star, can rise to the occasion and fill the gap caused by Rahul's absence.

Here's the probable Playing XI for the RCB:

1. Chris Gayle

The explosive West Indies batsman will open the innings for RCB. The left-handed batsman from Jamaica is one of the most feared batsman in the league.

2. Shane Watson

The former Australia all-rounder will not only lead the team in the opening game, but also will open the innings for the team.

3. Travis Head

The left-handed middle-order batsman from Australia will be the next man in the absence of Mr 360 AB de Villiers. The 23-year-old is an explosive T20 batsman.

4. Mandeep Singh

The right-handed top order batsman from Punjab could be playing at No. 3. Mandeep hasn't played much games for India but a lot would depend on his performances in the IPL if he wants to earn a place in Team India.

5. Kedar Jadhav (wicketkeeper)

He has already become a household name with his impressive performance in the limited-overs series against England, earlier this year. Jadhav will also be the man behind stumps.

6. Pawan Negi

The Delhi all-rounder will get a place in the Playing XI as he will be making his debut for RCB in this season. He played for Delhi Daredevils last year.

7. Stuart Binny

The Karnataka all-rounder will once again be present in the lower order to strengthen the team's batting. Binny is also a very handy medium pacer and could be utilised by the skipper in middle-overs.

8. Iqbal Abdullah

The left-handed orthodox spinner played a crucial role in RCB's success last year and he's a handy batsman too. He will be definitely given a place in the Playing XI at Hyderabad.

9. Yuzvendra Chahal

The Haryana spinner was in great form in the limited overs series against England and even in IPL 2016.

The team would hope similar bowling performances from Chahal in this edition if they fancy their chances of making it to the play-offs.

10. Sreenath Aravind

The Karnataka pacer will be the second lead pacer from the side if skipper Watson decides to bowl as first change. Aravind is good at providing early breakthroughs to the team and the skipper would be expecting the same performance from Aravind.

11. Tymal Mills

The England speedster was the second costliest buy of the IPL 2017 after he impressed all with his X-factor during India-England T20 series.

The T20 specialist is the new recruit into the RCB squad and team would be hoping him to wreak havoc from the very first game.

RCB Squad:

Shane Watson (captain), Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sarfaraz Khan, Sreenath Aravind, Avesh Khan, Samuel Badree, Stuart Binny, Yuzvendra Chahal, Aniket Choudhary, Praveen Dubey, Chris Gayle, Travis Head, Iqbal Abdulla, Kedar Jadhav (wicketkeeper), Mandeep Singh, Tymal Mills, Adam Milne, Pawan Negi, Harshal Patel, Sachin Baby, Tabraiz Shamsi, and Billy Stanlake.

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:46 [IST]

Sporting Buzz