As KXIP kept their IPL 2017 playoffs hopes alive, here's a look at the
Kaushik Rangarajan, our correspondent at the ground, chips in by noting "see both Stoinis and Matt Henry bowling full tilt on the side wicket.Trying to think how KXIP can accommodate both in the XI".
Build Up
Royal Challengers Bangalore almost acquired the taste of champagne by reaching the final of the IPL in 2016. However, despite possessing three of the finest cricketers in the limited overs format - AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, the Bangalore franchise seem to be missing the sparkle and fizz of uncorked champagne during this season's IPL.
RCB are rooted to the bottom of the table, with just five points to their name in 11 matches. The Bangalore franchise also don't have any chance of progressing to the playoffs. So the last three games of the season are inconsequential for them.
However, the scenario is different for their opponents, Kings XI Punjab. The Punjab franchise, who are placed fifth with eight points, will try to close the gap on RPS and SRH - positioned third and fourth on the table, when they take on RCB at the Chinnaswamy today.
They are also coming on the back of a crushing 10-wicket win over DD. The likes of Martin Guptill, Hashim Amla and Shaun Marsh have been among the runs in the recent games, while Sandeep Sharma orchestrated DD's spectacular collapse by picking up a four-fer. The Punjab franchise, though, has to confront a boisterous, intimidating atmosphere created by RCB's home fans at Chinnaswamy today.
This is Bharath, and you can chip in with your thoughts at @fancricket12
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