IPL 2019: Virat Kohli's RCB look to get off the mark at KXIP's fortress
| Updated :- 13th April, 2019 4:25 PM IST
Royal Challengers Bangalore have had a horror start to their Indian Premier League 2019 campaign as they have lost six matches on the trot. On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab are yet to lose a match at home in the ongoing season
Can Royal Challengers Bangalore snap the losing streak in Mohali on Saturday? ( Courtesy by BCCI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Royal Challengers Bangalore are a defeat away from bagging an unwanted IPL record
- Virat Kohli-led RCB have lost 6 in 6 and reeling at the bottom of the points table
- Kings XI Punjab will be hoping to maintain their perfect home record in IPL 2019 on Saturday
It's that time of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season where teams will be hoping to settle in on their playing XIs and build momentum as they progress towards the business end of the tournament. While defending champions Chennai Super Kings are well ahead of the chasing pack, as many as four teams are on eight points each in a crowded mid-table.
However, two teams Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals have been struggling to gain any sort of momentum. While Rajasthan have two points from their only win over Bangalore, Virat Kohli's men are yet to open their account in IPL 2019.
Can RCB avoid unwanted IPL record?
Royal Challengers Bangalore are one more defeat away from creating an unwanted record as they will become the side with the most number of successive defeats at the start of the season. RCB have lost six matches on the trot this season and have equalled Delhi Capitals (Daredevils) record from 2013.
Virat Kohli's men are facing a daunting task of breaching Kings XI Punjab's fortress. R Ashwin's men have not lost a single match at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali this season, winning three in three. In fact, Kings XI have stitched a 7-match unbeaten run at the iconic venue over the last three years.
Notably, skipper Ashwin sent a warning to opposition teams after Kings XI crushed Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday when he said the hosts will be hoping to stretch their winning streak at home to 11 at the end of the season.
Royal Challengers Bangalore though will be hoping for a change in fortunes as they are heading into their seventh match of IPL 2019 after a five-day break. RCB can take confidence from the fact that they had completed a double over Kings XI in IPL 2018. When it comes to head-to-head records, RCB have managed to beat KXIP 10 times in 22 meetings.
While KXIP will be keen on maintaining their fine run at home, all eyes will be on Chris Gayle as the big West Indies batsman had suffered a twisted back during their last match against Mumbai Indians. It remains to be seen if the Universe Boss will recover in time to face his former club.
RCB will be boosted by the presence of Dale Steyn in the camp after the South African pacer replaced an injured Nathan Coulter-Nile. However, the fast bowling great will not be available for selection in Saturday's away game.
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