Who, when, where
Royal Challengers Bangalore v Lucknow Super Giants, 3pm BST, Monday 10 April 2023, Bengaluru
Talking points
Any team that opens the batting with Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis will look intimidating, but the threat needs to follow through. Bangalore’s top-order talismen have delivered in part, but could go a lot bigger on cue.
Bangalore might have that ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ mentality hanging over them, but they’re looking better set than ever to go all the way this time. That said, it’s early days in the 2023 IPL and a long way to go to the play-offs.
They’ve lost Reece Topley to injury and will have South African all-rounder Wayne Parnell as a replacement. He could walk straight into the XI – and obviously offer a lot more with the bat than Topley.
Lucknow are finding their groove, some of which really relies on KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock firing at the top of the order. The Super Giants’ will likely have had a challenging workout against the Hyderabad Sunrisers by the time this match arrives. The performance of England fast bowler Mark Wood will be in the spotlight.
Head-to-head
The Royal Challengers Bangalore beat the Lucknow Super Giants on both occasions in the 2022 IPL, including in the Eliminator.
Stars to watch
Wood is among the few genuine fast bowlers on show in the 2023 IPL and has already shown signs of beating batsmen with outright pace. Conditions in Bengaluru could be particularly conducive to his art.
De Kock can be a world beater on his day, but don’t overlook Kyle Mayers, who has a solid start to the IPL at the top of the order. The Super Giants might look for a way to keep them both in the XI. Remember, only four overseas players are allowed in an XI.
Prediction
The Royal Challengers should be the Super Giants here. Du Plessis’ second season with his new team, after a lengthy stint with Chennai has Bangalore shaping up for a big campaign. They’re primed to build on this ambition with a win over Lucknow.
Suggested bets
- Royal Challengers Bangalore to beat Lucknow Super Giants
- Faf du Plessis to be top batsman for Bangalore
- Mark Wood to be top bowler for Lucknow
READ MORE: IPL: Rinku Singh smashes five sixes at the death as KKR snatches win over GT
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