The Indian Premier League has already witnessed some exciting clashes this season. However, as the competition is about to head into its second week with each side having already played their first match, expect the intensity of the games to increase.
The last match of Week 1 of the T20 tournament will witness Kolkata Knight Riders up against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both the teams had a contrasting start to their season with Bangalore starting off with a win against Mumbai Indians in their home match while Kolkata succumbed to a defeat against Punjab in an away fixture.
While Bangalore will now look to maintain their winning momentum and bag a win away from home, Kolkata would be eager to get off the mark on the points table and make Eden Gardens their fortress.
With some exciting talent and recognised stars in both the sides, Fantasy users can have a hard time to finalise an XI for his match. But here are some players who you can pick in your team based on their recent form and what the skills they bring to the table.
RR vs PBKS Fantasy Team (Low Risk XI)
Wicketkeepers:
Wicketkeepers are very important for the balance of a Fantasy side as they bring two skills into the game. The key is to prefer those who get to bat up the order and thus Kolkata''s Rahmanullah Gurbaz becomes a bit of a no-brainer. One can bet for Bangalore's Karthik who was promoted to number 3 in the last game but that may not be the case in every match.
Batters:
Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis given the form they displayed in the tournament openers and their consistency will be hard to ignore for a place in the Fantasy side. From Kolkata, captain Nitish Rana should be picked. Venkatesh Iyer was used as an Impact Player in the last game and can be considered but wait for the final playing XIs to be announced before making a final call.
All-rounders:
Glenn Maxwell who will bat in the top order and can be a handy option with the ball should be in the XI along with Andre Russell and Sunil Narine.
Bowlers:
Karn Sharma from Bangalore picked two crucial wickets in the first match and deserves a place for this game in the Fantasy side for all his experience of playing in IPL. Tim Southee, albeit a bit expensive, can be a good option with the new ball. One or two between Umesh Yadav, Harshal Patel and Mohammed Siraj can be picked depending upon one's reading of the pitch.
Pro Tip:
Finalise the Fantasy XI only after the toss and Playing XIs are announced as there could be surprise in store with regards to the team news.
Fantasy 11 for IPL 2023- KKR vs RCB (Low Risk XI For Grand League)
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (vice-captain), Virat Kohli (captain), Faf du Plessis, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Glenn Maxwell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Karn Sharma, Umesh Yadav
Disclaimer: Fantasy sports game may be habit-forming or financially risky. Play responsibly. The information contained herein is merely based on parameters including but not limited to players’ past performance & records, players’ fitness & availability, ground conditions, weather conditions, etc. An individual intending to participate in any such fantasy sports game on any platform shall have to use his/her own skill, wisdom & judgement while creating a fantasy team. Accordingly, reader discretion is advised.