Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 2016, Match 44 at Bengaluru: GL’s Likely XI

Royal Challengers Bangalore will be hosting Gujarat Lions in Match 44 of IPL 2016 at Bengaluru on Saturday.

Confident Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to hosts title-contenders Gujarat Lions (GL) in must-win clash of Match 44 of IPL 2016 at Bengaluru. Currently placed lowly at the IPL 9 Points table, RCB need to win every match here on, while GL might be happy being placed at No.4—they require two more wins to secure their place in the playoffs as the net run rate creates hurdle to move up the ladder. GL will face a setback as it was announced that their captain Suresh Raina will be missing out on this game. The burden now lies heavily on the shoulders of the top three batsmen. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Match 44 at Bengaluru

After a successful stint against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the previous tie, GL will be happy with their bowling department and maintain the same unit. Brendon McCullum could well captain GL against RCB. Let’s have a look at the probable XI to play against RCB at Bengaluru:

Top-Order: The top three batsmen— Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum and Aaron Finch— have been impressive individually in every match. The opening duo Smith and McCullum have given a flying start on many occasions. Against RCB’s bowling attack, GL would be eyeing a strong start. With Raina missing out, Finch might get a chance at No.3 although he has done fairly well at all position. The responsibility lies on these top international batsmen of GL.

Middle-Order: Dinesh Karthik has been consistent with his performance and has contributed with valuable half-centuries at time of need. While playing against KKR, Karthik lead from the front and helped GL acquire a win after three consecutive defeats. Ishan Kishan might get a call back after his strong partnership along with James Faulkner against Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to keep the momentum going in the middle. Ravindra Jadeja can come in handy, especially while chasing down big targets.

Dwayne Bravo is yet to show his skills with bat in this edition of IPL, although, he has been impressive with the ball though. The Middle-order has covered up in case the top-order tumbles for GL.

Lower-Order: Praveen Kumar’s bowling has been very impressive this season’s IPL. His death bowling, coupled with early overs bowling has given Gujarat a good option. And he will be expected to provide his side with wickets. To support him, Dhawal Kulkarni will be very crucial. His slower balls have been particularly brilliant. The final spot can be given to Pradeep Sangwan to bring sone depth in the bowing end. The find of mystery man Shivil Kaushik has brought in a breath of fresh air to GL. Then of course, Ravindra Jadeja who can swing the ball and provide some respite for GL.

All in all, GL are in a must-win situation and a thrilling match is awaiting at Bengaluru on Saturday at Chinnaswamy.

Gujarat Lions Likely XI (Batting Order): Dwayne Smith, Brendon McCullum (c), Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Ishan Kishan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, Praveen Kumar, Shivil Kaushik, Dhawal Kulkarni, Pradeep Sangwan.

(Shruti Hariharan is a Content Writer with CricketCountry. You can follow her on Twitter at @Shruti_2890)