After a 10-day break, the IPL resumes on Saturday. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 58th match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Both Teams Need a Win

RCB currently sit second on the points table with 16 points from 11 games. Therefore, a win will secure their spot in the playoffs. Meanwhile, KKR are in sixth place. They must win this match to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Before the break, both teams had momentum. RCB had won four games in a row. Similarly, KKR had won two of their last three. However, the break may have affected their rhythm.

RCB Appear Better Prepared

RCB seem more ready for the restart. Notably, captain Rajat Patidar has returned to practice after recovering from a finger injury. Moreover, foreign players like Phil Salt, Tim David, and Liam Livingstone are back in the squad.

On the other hand, RCB still face injury concerns. Devdutt Padikkal and Josh Hazlewood are doubtful for the match.

All Eyes on Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will be in the spotlight. Recently, he shocked fans by retiring from Test cricket. As a tribute, fans may wear white in the stands. Nevertheless, Kohli will depend on his inner drive to put up a good show.

KKR's Batting Struggles Continue

Meanwhile, KKR’s batting lineup has been inconsistent. Only Ajinkya Rahane and Angkrish Raghuvanshi have shown good form. Although their bowling unit has performed well, the absence of Moeen Ali due to illness is a big setback.

Pitch Report

So far, the Chinnaswamy pitch has helped bowlers. It has provided bounce for pacers and turn for spinners. However, the long break and the start of monsoon season may have changed the pitch. Therefore, both teams might need to adjust their strategies.

Weather Report

According to forecasts, weather may affect the match. There is a high chance of rain in the evening. In fact, there’s a 71% chance at 7 PM, 69% at 8 PM, and 49% at 9 PM. By 11 PM, it drops to 34%. Thus, a delayed start or interruptions are likely.

Additionally, AccuWeather predicts thunderstorms in Bengaluru on May 17. Temperatures may range from 21°C to 30°C. Therefore, fans and teams should expect a wet and uncertain evening.

Probable Playing XI's

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal
Impact Sub: Suyash Sharma / Liam Livingstone

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Manish Pandey, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy
Impact Sub: Anukul Roy