RCB host GT in their final home league match. The defending champions chase a strong send-off. GT aim to solve their glaring middle-order crisis.
RCB: Middle-order muscle for home finale
RCB sit third with four wins from six games. They have won three of four home matches at the Chinnaswamy this season. Recent form shows bounce-back ability after the DC loss.
Virat Kohli averages 87.75 against GT. Rajat Patidar strikes at over 200 in recent innings. Tim David has 173 runs at strike rate 203 with 14 sixes.
RCB middle order posts strike rate 175 with 34 sixes, both league bests. This attacks GT's spin weakness. Krunal Pandya claims five wickets at this venue.
They may add Jacob Bethell for all-round value. Hazlewood features after recovery time (ESPNcricinfo).
GT: Top-heavy batting hides middle-order failure
GT sit seventh with three wins from six. Their top three contribute 69% of runs, highest in league. Middle order delivers just 29% and 288 runs total, both league lows.
They folded for 100 after top-three powerplay loss versus MI. Hayden called the middle order exposed. Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan and Phillips struggle for impact.
Gill, Sudharsan and Buttler carry the load. Rashid Khan and Rabada lead the attack. Holder may debut while Kushagra could replace Shahrukh.
Breakdown: Chase likely on high-scoring Bengaluru track
Night match at Chinnaswamy should deliver high scores with dew helping batters second. All six prior RCB-GT games went to the chaser. Pitch No. 6 has slowed but curator prepared for even grass cover.
RCB middle order targets GT's spin options with superior strike rate. GT middle averages just 20 against spin. Expect fireworks and batting dominance.
Prediction
RCB's home record, explosive middle order and GT's batting imbalance point one way. Hosts should dictate terms with bat first on this surface. Bookies undervalue their scoring potential at home.
Match prediction: RCB Over 193.5 runs, odds 1.92
