IPL match preview: Lucknow Super Giants v Royal Challengers Bangalore

Bangalore might still be smarting after losing to the Kolkata Knight Riders. That's probably a result they really should have clinched against a KKR unit that was very much out of form. Here's another chance for RCB to bounce back.

They have two of the most prolific batsmen in the tournament in Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, but yet again they can't rely on these two as much as they have been doing. Other batsmen need to start stepping up in support more.

Lucknow will lose Mark Wood soonish. The England pace ace won't be around for the closing stages of the IPL. For now, this is another chance for Wood to extract maximum value and pace from the Lucknow pitch against a challenging RCB batting order.

The Super Giants have deferred the selection of Quinton de Kock for an extended period, but one wonders how long they can keep this up. With the business end of the tournament nearing, de Kock is the kind of world beater you want in your playing XI.

Lucknow and Bangalore's brief history has brought one win for the former and two for the latter. Earlier in April 2023, the Super Giants beat the Royal Challengers in one of the tightest results this season.

Faf du Plessis has been battling injury, but has been able to bat regardless. He is an early candidate for the leading run-scorer in the IPL 2023 overall. The RCB captain could take a liking to the Lucknow bowlers, especially if they don't vary their pace enough.

Kyle Mayers has arguably one of the surprise packages this IPL. The West Indian opener has been the man keeping de Kock out of the Lucknow XI. Mayers can offer something with the ball in certain conditions, too.

Characteristically, Bangalore's campaign has seemed a bit hit and miss at times. But for this match at least, they look the favourites against a Lucknow team that could have their title charge derailed by another defeat.