In a crucial IPL encounter today, struggling Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be hoping for redemption when they host a rising Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Both teams find themselves in tricky territory midway through the season and know the value of securing full points in this contest.
RCB come into the match on the back of five losses in six games. Their batting unit has misfired more often than not while the bowlers have failed to defend low totals. Skipper Faf du Plessis would be seeking an inspired performance from his star-studded line-up to kickstart their campaign. Maxwell and Virat Kohli in particular will be eager to play match-winning knocks.
In contrast, SRH have won three of their five matches so far. Aggressive batting from the likes of Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen and Travis Head has aided their surge up the table. Their four-pronged pace attack has also hunted in packs to wreck opposition line-ups. Captain Pat Cummins will hope his side maintains their form in Bengaluru as well.
The last time these sides met here in 2023, RCB snatched a narrow win defending 173. Historically though, the venue has been a high-scoring one where chasing has held an advantage. A batting beauty is expected today as well.
As both RCB and SRH seek valuable points in their quest for a playoff berth, a nail-biting contest could be on the cards at the Chinnaswamy. With so much riding on the result, this promises to be an intriguing battle between two sides banking on victory.
