Indian T20 League 2022: Match 39- Bangalore vs Rajasthan- Preview, Playing XIs, Pitch Report & Updates

The 39th match of the Indian T20 League 2022 will be played between Bangalore and Rajasthan. Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium will host the match on the 26th of April. Having won five of their seven games, Rajasthan stands third on the points table. Bangalore also has had a very similar season with five wins in their eight games. They currently stand fifth in the points table with 10 points to their name. This will be the second time teams will be playing against each other this season. In the first meet, Bangalore won by four wickets.

Team Updates

Bangalore

Bangalore is coming off a humiliating defeat against Hyderabad in their previous encounter. The team was bowled out for a mere 68 runs in the game. Hyderabad comfortably chased down the target in eight overs, with nine wickets to spare. The men in red will have to be a lot more consistent with the bat.

With the leadership off his shoulders, Virat Kohli was anticipated to play well this season. He, however, has not lived up to the hype. In the previous two games, he's had two consecutive ducks. In his eight appearances, the former skipper has only managed to score 119 runs. Another key player, Mohammed Siraj, also has not delivered this season. He has taken only six wickets in eight games at an economy of 9.73. The two will have to come good in the next match.

Players to watch out for

Faf du Plessis- Faf du Plessis has had an on and off season this time. He has performed well in some games and poor in others. The team's skipper has scored 255 runs this season. Bangalore will need Du Plessis to be a lot more consistent.

Dinesh Karthik- Dinesh Karthik has been the most consistent Bangalore batter this season. He has a specified role as a finisher and he has done remarkable well at that position. He has scored 210 runs in eight matches with a strike rate of 200 this season. He has played a crucial role in most of the Bangalore wins this season.

Probable Playing XI

Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat/Mahipal Lomror, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Suyash Prabhudessai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj

Rajasthan

Rajasthan has had a brilliant season so far, thanks to the top form of Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal. They have consistently set up big totals and later defended them.  However, they would expect their batters, except Buttler, to give better performances. Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal have given some good performances but they've not been consistent.

Despite having a two-match winning streak, the men in pink will look to make one change to their lineup. Obed McCoy might make way for either Daryl Mitchell or James Neesham in the playing XI. This will also give them an extra batting option.

Players to watch out for

Yuzvendra Chahal- Chahal has been brilliant this season, picking 18 wickets in seven games. He has picked wickets in bunches and shifted the momentum in favour of Rajasthan. He is expected to do well against Bangalore as well.

Jos Buttler- Jos Buttler already has 491 runs this season, including three hundreds in eight matches. He presently holds the orange cap and would be keen to continue his dream run.

Probable Playing XI

Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Karun Nair, Riyan Parag, Daryl Mitchell/James Neesham, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal

Head to Head

Pitch Report

The wicket has offered some good, sporting surface. The batters have enjoyed their stay, while the fast bowlers have got the new ball to move. Meanwhile, spinners are also likely to get some help with the wicket losing it's pace.

Match Details

Date- 26th April 2022

Time- 7:30 p.m (IST)

Venue- Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune

Broadcast- Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar