Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore to begin hunt for maiden IPL title

Mumbai: Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will begin their hunt for maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, when the two new captain will take charge at DY Patil Stadium here on March 27.

While Mayank Agarwal replaced KL Rahul as the captain of PBKS, Faf du Plessis took over reins from Virat Kohli at the RCB.

In 28 IPL meeting in since 2008, Punjab lead 15-13 head-to head record over Bangalore. PBKS also has won three matches of the last five meetings.

PBKS have an experienced opening pair in Shikhar Dhawan and new captain Mayank. They will be followed by Liam Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow.

Shahrukh Khan and Odean Smith, who will add depth to the batting line-up.

Kings rely heavily on Kagiso Rabada, who is the only bowler in the squad who is a regular for his national side.

Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma and Ishan Porel are other contenders to lead the pace attack. Rahul Chahar and Brar will shoulder the responsibility in the spin department.

PBKS will miss the services of Bairstow and Rabada in the opening match because of their national commitments.

On the other hand, RCB will be looking for a winning start of the tournament under new skipper.

With du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and, Dinesh Karthik in their batters unit. The finishing abilities of wicketkeeper Karthik will be vital cog in RCB squad.

In the fast bowling department, Mohammed Siraj will have the new-ball responsibilities and Harshal Patel will do his job in the death-overs.

In the absence of Yuzvendra Chahal, Wanindu Hasaranga will fill the void in the spin department with an able back-up in the form of Karn Sharma.

Unfortunately, RCB will play their first two-three matches without the services of Glenn Maxwell and Josh Hazlewood as they due to fulfill their Australia commitments before joining their IPL franchise.

Squads:

PBKS: Mayank Agarwal, Arshdeep Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Jonny Bairstow, Rahul Chahar, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ishan Porel, Liam Livingstone, Odean Smith, Sandeep Sharma, Raj Bawa, Rishi Dhawan, Prerak Mankad, Vaibhav Arora, Writtick Chatterjee, Baltej Dhanda, Ansh Patel, Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Benny Howell.

RCB: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Faf du Plessis, Harshal Patel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Shahbaz Ahamad, Akash Deep, Josh Hazlewood, Mahipal Lomror, Finn Allen, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Behrendorff, Suyash Prabhudessai, Chama Milind, Aneeshwar Gautam, Karn Sharma, Siddharth Kaul, Luvnith Sisodia, David Willey. (UNI)