Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Pitch Report- "It's really hot here, an absolute furnace at the Chinnaswamy. It's for the second time this wicket is being used in this IPL. Looks a lot drier and cracks have started to open up. In 2016, almost 200 was an average score but last year it was a lot less, around 140-150. Think toss is going to be make a huge difference. Whoever wins the toss must look to bat first and set a big score for the opposition and hope the sun plays its role,"
RCB will be bustling after they opened their account in their match against Kings XI Punjab on Friday night. After their bowlers dismissed the visitors for 155, there was a bit of drama in RCB’s run-chase; but AB de Villiers’s experience and ability to swing matches in an instant ensured they got over their line and got their first points on the board. The RCB management will be worried about the form of Chris Woakes; the Englishman has picked up 5 wickets, but it is the 72 runs he has conceded in 7.5 overs that is cause for worry. After the win against KXIP, captain Virat Kohli also admitted that his team needed to string together partnerships in the middle overs and not lose wickets in a cluster. Sarfaraz Khan has had two poor outings and he will be under pressure – particularly given the variety of quality middle-order options RCB have; it is expected that the team will continue with the young lad, at least for now.
Head to Head
Overall: Matches – 16, Royal Challengers Bangalore won – 8, Rajasthan Royals won – 7, No Result – 1
At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium: Matches – 6, Royal Challengers Bangalore won – 2, Rajasthan Royals won – 3, No Result – 1