The last time they met SRH, which was two weeks ago, RCB were bowled out for a paltry 68 © BCCI/IPL
They say revenge isn't a word that is to be used in sport. But in one way or the other, that's exactly what the Royal Challengers Bangalore will be gunning for on Sunday (May 8). The last time they met Sunrisers Hyderabad, which was two weeks ago, they were bowled out for a paltry 68 in an innings that didn't even last 100 deliveries. That was one morale-sapping performance indeed as they went on to lose their next two games also to leave them vulnerable at the business end of the tournament. But a victory in their previous game against Chennai Super Kings has ensured that their hopes of finishing in the top 4 are still in their control.

For that to remain in their control, they will have to make a statement. And there is no better way than turning the tables against a side that handed them a humiliating loss last time. The timing seems to be ideal as well considering SRH are appearing jittery at the moment. It's been a unique season for them. They started off with two losses before registering five wins on the trot. And now, they have lost their last three games. There is no middle ground, either they win a few or lose a few at a stretch. But in order to keep their own hopes alive, that rut has to stop now. SRH need their skipper Kane Williamson to badly step up. Williamson has looked well below par this season and time is certainly running out.

Aiden Markram has been consistent and the likes of Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi have chipped in with vital contributions. But SRH need Washington Sundar. He has been in and out of the side as a result of injuries and his absence indeed leaves a big hole. As far as RCB are concerned, they would like some runs from Glenn Maxwell. One of their best players last season, Maxwell is averaging just 22 with the bat this time around. If he can click, providing support to the likes of Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror and Dinesh Karthik, RCB will find themselves in a much better position.

Whenunday, May 8, 2022 at 15:30 IST

Where: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

What to expect:With the pitches tending to get slower as the tournament progresses, expect moderate scores at this venue. Considering this is also a day game, slow bowlers from both sides will prove to be handy.

Head to headRH 12 - 8 RCB

Sunrisers Hyderabad

Tactics and matchups:Virat Kohli has a modest record against Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Considering he is opening in the last few games, that is one battle to watch out for. SRH will also be tempted to save Bhuvneshwar for Maxwell considering he has a SR of 84 against the medium pacer. There is a case to bring back Marco Jansen considering his three-wicket over derailed the same opponent two weeks ago.

Probable XI:Kane Williamson (C), Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Shashank Singh, Washinigton Sundar/Shreyas Gopal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen/Sean Abbott, Umran Malik, T Natarajan

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Tactics and matchups:Well, SRH may have bowled them out for just 68 recently but RCB can take hope from the fact that this bowling attack has conceded scores of 199, 202 and 207 in the last three games There's no reason to be cautious against the impressive Umran Malik considering he has conceded 100 in his last two games. A battle at the death between the young speedster and Dinesh Karthik could be a fascinating watch. While Markram has been impressive in his middle order role, a contest against Hasaranga in a day game could turn out to be a different challenge altogether.

Probable XI:Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammad Siraj

Did you know?

After scoring 171 runs in the first five games, Tripathi has slowed down in the next five, making only 79 runs.

Since IPL 2018, Williamson averages just 23.60 as an opener whereas that almost doubles up to 45.48.

With 38 wickets, RCB are easily the best bowling side in the middle overs.