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Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL Tips - Hosts to bank on strong opening

By Sridhar Bhamidi

20 May 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 20 May 2023

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Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL match predictions to be played in Bangalore on Sunday, May 21 at 7:30pm IST
Royal Challengers Bangalore have posted the highest opening partnership in 9 of their last 13 IPL matches
Gujarat Titans have conceded the opening partnership honours in their last 2 IPL matches
Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis ended as RCB's top-scorer in 10 of their last 13 IPL matches
Can Bangalore keep the leaders at bay and move into the playoffs?

Can Faf and Virat once again rally RCB? (Getty Images)

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL

Royal Challengers Bangalore will have their sights set on a playoff place when they play the top-ranked Gujarat Titans who will have one eye on Qualifier I to be played on Tuesday. This IPL 2023 match #70 will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday from 7:30pm IST.

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL
Head to Head
Royal Challengers Bangalore Form
Royal Challengers Bangalore Team News
Gujarat Titans Form
Gujarat Titans Team News

This is the last match of the regular season and Bangalore will have their qualification in their hands. If Mumbai lost earlier in the day, then RCB would have qualified irrespective of this result. If Chennai and Lucknow have won their matches on Saturday, RCB can’t finish higher than fourth. If Mumbai won, it will come down to this match and only a win can see Bangalore progress.

I am backing the Royal Challengers to post the highest opening partnership, not the least because of the form Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli are in.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have posted the highest opening partnership in 9 of their last 13 matches (IPL)
Gujarat Titans have conceded the highest opening partnership in their last 2 matches (IPL)
Royal Challengers Bangalore have posted the highest powerplay score in 10 of their last 13 matches (IPL)
Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis have been Bangalore’s best batter in 10 of their last 13 matches (IPL)

Head to Head

There have been two matches between Bangalore and Gujarat so far in the IPL, with the teams winning one each.

Both matches were played in Mumbai last season with Gujarat winning the first by six wickets and RCB responding with an eight-wicket win.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Form

RCB are fourth in the standings with 14 points and could be starting this match in fifth if Mumbai win their match earlier on Sunday. A win here could settle their nerves and give them momentum in the playoffs.

The Royal Challengers have won their last two matches comprehensively – by 112 runs and by eight wickets. Virat Kohli’s superlative century on Thursday against Sunrisers has definitely lifted the mood in the camp.

Strangely, they remain a three-player dependant team with the bat and that may strangle them at times.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Team News

Wanindu Hasaranga missed their last two matches with a niggle and it remains to be seen if he returns.

Gujarat Titans Form

Gujarat Titans are already guaranteed top spot and will be playing next Tuesday in Qualifier I taking on the second-placed team.

Hardik Pandya’s side has done really well in keeping the momentum and the winning run. Three wins from their last four should make them front runners for another victory here before the playoffs. With Shubman Gill coming off a sublime ton, they seem a well-oiled side.

It could be a double-edged sword for the Titans if they want to rest a few key players or continue with the winning combination.

Gujarat Titans Team News

Dasun Shanaka made his debut in the last game and looking at his all-round skills, Gujarat may rest their captain Hardik in this game.

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL FAQs

Where can I watch the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL live stream.

What time does Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL start?

This Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Titans IPL match is being played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore at 7:30pm IST on Sunday, May 21.

Verdict

Royal Challengers Bangalore are most likely to start this match looking for a win. That may put the onus on their opening pair of Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. With the duo shouldering a lot of responsibility, it won’t be a surprise if they step up once again. I am putting my money on Royal Challengers Bangalore posting the highest opening partnership of the match.