Xtra Time Web Desk: Perennial under achievers Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to set all equations straight in IPL 2021. Virat Kohli led RCB has a tough task ahead, opening their campaign against defending champions Mumbai Indians. The biggest setback for the Bangalore side is they are likely to miss the service of Devdutt Padikkal at least for the first match. That leaves the RCB team management with two options – whether to open with Mohammed Azharuddeen or hard hitting Kiwi Finn Allen.
The Kerala batsman has been in fine form in the recently concluded Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy where he smashed 137 off 54 balls against Mumbai. New Zealand batsman Finn Allen showed his class in the series against Bangladesh at home. He smashed 29 ball 71 in the 3rd T20I. But what might go against Allen is the limitation of foreign players in each side. With AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell and Kyle Jamieson likely to pick themselves, the choice will be between Dan Christian and Allen. In Christian, RCB will have an extra seamer.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (Predicted XI): Md Azharudeen / Finn Allen, Virat Kohli (c), Rajat Patidar, AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell, Dan Christian, Washington Sundar, Kylie Jamieson, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal, Navdeep Saini