IPL 2018, RCB vs SRH: Bangalore, Hyderabad clash to spice up points table

In the 51st match of the VIVO Indian Premier League (IPL 2018), resurgent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on already-qualified table-toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad in today's match with their playoffs chances hanging by a slim thread. Captian Virat Kohli has led the team from the front and that resulted in two victories for RCB. After defeating Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab in back to back matches, RCB seems like a rejuvenated unit, while SRH have been the team to beat this season, having won nine matches out of 12. RCB are still struggling at the second last position on the table, while SRH are on top of the VIVO IPL points table with 18 points.

Virat Kohli's RCB has survived the tough season, having lost seven of its 12 matches so far but the recent turnaround has given brith hopes of a possible shot at the playoffs berth provided some other results go RCB's way. RCB is overtly dependant on Virat and South African star performer A B De Villiers. Both of them combined have scored nearly half of RCB's total runs this season but the side needs bigger contributions from the likes of Moeen Ali and Corey Anderson.

IPL 2018, RCB vs SRH: Struggling Bangalore face Hyderabad challenge today

In the 39th match of Vivo Indian Premier League (IPL 2018) Kane Williamson’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will take on Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. A consistent Sunrisers Hyderabad unit would look to consolidate its position at the top of the Vivo IPL points table, while Royal Challengers Bangalore will fight for survival as the two teams clash in today’s IPL match.

RCB have been struggling for survival, needing to win every game and also hoping that other results go in their favour, to remain in contention for the playoffs. They are placed sixth on the Vivo IPL points table with just three wins from their nine games. In today’s match, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers will have to weave some magic with their willows to make it tough for SRH, whose bowlers have proved to be a headache for all teams. The return of SRH fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has only strengthened their attack further.

RCB's big guns, on the other hand, have failed to fire so far. However, now is the time to deliver, since one more defeat would spell their ouster from the tournament. Parthiv Patel (who scored 53 runs against Chennai) and Brendon McCullum need to support their side and the likes of Mandeep Singh and Colin de Grandhomme have to step up.