IPL 2023, PBKS vs RCB: Sam Curran elects to bowl
What's the story
Punjab Kings are up against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in match number 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season.
Both teams have made mixed starts to their campaigns.
While PBKS have three wins in five outings, RCB have returned with just a couple of victories in five matches.
Meanwhile, PBKS skipper Sam Curran won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Conditions
Pitch report, timing, and streaming details
The pitch at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium will offer desired balance.
The bowlers are expected to get some movement with the new ball.
Slower deliveries will be effective on this surface and spinners could play a crucial role.
Star Sports will telecast the match, fans can also live-stream it on JioCinema for free (7:30pm).
Information
A look at the head-to-head record
PBKS and RCB have met each other on 30 occasions in the IPL. PBKS have the edge, winning 17. RCB have won 13 games. In IPL 2022, PBKS won both the games versus RCB.
Playing Xis
Here are the two teams
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Playing XI): Virat Kohli (c), Faf du Plessis, Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Suyash Prabhudessai, Harshal Patel, Wayne Parnell, Mohammed Siraj.
Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Atharva Taide, Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.
News
Dhawan misses out; Kohli set to lead RCB
Shikhar Dhawan won't be playing today as confirmed by Curran during the toss.
English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is back and Nathan Ellis has replaced Kagiso Rabada.
For RCB, Virat Kohli is leading the side today. Kohli confirmed skipper Faf du Plessis potentially can't be fielding today, so he'll be playing as an impact player.