In their very first match, RCB’s batting line-up could face a significant challenge. They will be up against KKR in Eden Gardens, Kolkata on March 22, and that will be a tricky pitch to play on. But the key is, to ease out at the crease first, and then look for the big shots. Unfortunately for Bengaluru, only ex-skipper Virat Kohli might have that skill.
Virat Kohli Solid vs KKR at Eden Gardens
Over the years against KKR, he has enjoyed decent success, but his stats at the Eden Gardens show, as to how tough batting can get, after all. Against Kolkata Knight Riders, Virat Kohli has played 34 matches over the years, and scored 962 runs at an average of 38.48. That includes one 100 and six fifties. All the runs at a strike-rate of 132.
When it comes to Eden Gardens, Virat enjoys playing on the surface, but his strike-rate of 132 remains the same.. In 12 matches vs KKR in Kolkata, he has 346 runs at an average of 38.44 with one ton and a fifty. So, this just shows that the scoring rate could be an issue at the venue.
Others Inexperienced, Need Support from Patidar & Salt
Let us just assume that Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingtone, Jitesh Sharma and Tim David will be the other batters in the RCB XI, they don’t have great numbers at the venue. Padikkal in one match has 28 runs. Livingstone has 15 runs in his one match. Jitesh has 21 in two innings, and Tim is yet to open his account. The only saving grace could be Salt, who was with KKR last season, has decent experience of playing there and scored runs too.
In 7 matches the Englishman has scored 350 runs at an average of 58.33, and a highest score of 89. He would have to definitely partner Virat and skipper Patidar to get the runs on the board, while batting first or while chasing. As a matter of fact, Patidar has a ton too in Kolkata vs KKR in the two matches played.
