After beginning on a positive note with a victory, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL 2023 campaign has taken a significant detour. They have been hampered by consecutive defeats and will be eager to take advantage of back-to-back home games to gain some points. The Delhi Capitals (DC) are not faring any better. After dropping their first four games, the 2020 IPL champions are off to a terrible start. The franchise skipper, David Warner, has very few positive aspects to focus on.
Before the crucial game, both teams will welcome back some important international stars. Mitchell Bog and Wanindu Hasaranga have joined their separate groups and are probably going to be pushed straight into the playing XI in a bid to get back to winning ways, which for DC’s situation, has been some time.
On Saturday, April 15, the two teams are scheduled to face off in the afternoon at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
1) Virat Kohli vs Anrich Nortje
The former RCB captain will face a formidable opponent in the form and rampant Anrich Nortje. The speedster from South Africa has been one of DC’s few positives thus far this season, and his matchup with Kohli will be one to watch out for.
In the shortest format, Kohli has not had an easy time facing Nortje statistically. Nortje has bowled 28 deliveries in the seven innings they have played together. Out of those deliveries, Kohli has scored 26 runs at a strike rate of 92.85 while losing his wicket twice.
2) David Warner vs Mohammed Siraj
With the new ball, Mohammed Siraj has become a blessing for RCB and has had a significant impact at the Chinnaswamy Stadium thus far. The right-arm pacer has been savage forthright in his quest for wickets and will be facing a hitter who flaunts a respectable record against the Indian pacer.
David Warner, notwithstanding inquiries over his careful methodology, has been fruitful in scoring the heft of runs for DC in IPL 2023. The seasoned batter, who is ranked second on the Orange Cap list, will face a challenging powerplay phase against the experienced Siraj.
In his career, the left-handed opener has played Siraj in four T20 innings. He has lost his wicket once while scoring 42 runs off 23 deliveries at a strike rate of 182.60.
It should be noted that during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Warner was subjected to a vicious spell from Siraj. Warner was injured by Siraj’s delivery, which resulted in a fracture and forced him to withdraw from the tour halfway through.
In Bangalore, the former Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) teammates will have a significant impact.
3) Glenn Maxwell vs Kuldeep Yadav
Glenn Maxwell announced his return from injury and played a superb knock in RCB’s loss to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Given the severe lack of quality after the dominant opening duo of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, the RCB all-rounder plays a crucial role in the lineup.
Kuldeep Yadav has had a poor start to the season, and facing an old foe might give him the boost he needs. The wrist spinner with the left arm has a better record than Maxwell. Out of six innings, he has bowled the flamboyant player three times and given up 79 runs in 44 deliveries at a 180 strike rate.
If DC manages to send Kohli and du Plessis back to the pavilion early, the double-edged sword could potentially dictate the game.