Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match number 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
RCB would look to make it two out of two as they defeated KKR earlier this season at the Eden Gardens. Meanwhile, KKR would come into this game with a lot of positive intent after defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last game.
Unfortunately, RCB's last game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) got washed out due to heavy rainfall and both the teams had to share a point each. Their record at their homeground doesn't speak well off them and skipper Virat Kohli would be aware of that. On the other hand, KKR would look to maintain their position in the upper half of the table and move closer to the table toppers, CSK and the Royals.
Here are some of the key players who can make a difference in this match:
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Ab de Villiers: This superstar batsman can take any bowler in the world to the cleaners and KKR would be wary of that. De Villers have played a few crucial innings in this tournament so far and would look to add on to that record. He is the highest run-scorer for RCB. He is definitely an important asset and Kohli would want him to come in handy with the bat against KKR on Saturday.
Mitchell Starc: Ever since this Australian speedster has joined the RCB squad, the entire look of the their bowliong attack seems to have changed for good. He is bowling with some fierce pace and also getting the white ball to swing. He has only played four matches so far and has already picked up seven wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Robin Uthappa: Uthappa is looking in good touch after a scratchy start to the tournament. He guided KKR to a comfortable victory against CSK where he scored 80 runs and was also unbeaten till the end in their last game. If he gets some runs at the top of the order for KKR, then it becomes easier for the rest of the hard-hitters that comes out to bat after him and put some extra pressure on the opponents.
Andre Russell: Russell has so far been KKR's best all-rounder this season and has not disappointed his skipper Gautam Gambhir. He has already played a couple of match-winning knocks. He has also picked up seven wickets and his economy rate speaks well off him. He is a diffcult customer who helps to curb the run-rate during the middle overs alongside the spinners.
