IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, 5 factors of winning

#5 The top order for the RCB

Kedhar Jadhav has been in sparkling form with the bat

This season, as indeed in most seasons, the cream of the RCB batting lies in their top order. For the RCB to make a match out of it, Gayle, Watson, and Jadhav will have to bat for a majority of the 20 overs, whether they are batting first or second.

Extra Cover: IPL 2017: Kedar Jadhav credits improved fitness for match-winning knock against Delhi Daredevils

Chris Gayle hasn’t produced his trademark innings for quite some time now where he hits sixes at will and gets a hundred in no time. This might be a perfect time for him to do so, with Kohli and AB missing. Shane Watson too showed signs of coming back to form when he struck some crisp fours in the powerplay against the pacers of DD, and he will need to continue doing so against the Kings too if the RCB are to challenge the Kings who are looking good under Maxwell.

Kedar Jadhav’s purple patch might be RCB’s biggest plus this season. He didn’t get many matches last season but how it has changed for him in a year! He is their premier batsman this time and RCB would love to see him get another big one to help them continue the winning run.