Bangalore are set to take on Chennai in the 49^th match of the Indian T20 League 2022 on Wednesday at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Bangalore’s recent form doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

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They are coming into this game on the back of three consecutive losses and, thus are sitting at fifth position on the points table. On the other hand, Chennai are coming into this game on the back of a morale-boosting 13-run victory over Hyderabad. They would be brimming with confidence and would be looking to continue the winning momentum.

Bangalore:

Bangalore have lost their last three matches, however, Virat Kohli’s return to form is a big positive for them. Having said that, the likes of Maxwell and Du Plessis ought to take some responsibility and play big knocks.

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The bowling unit failed to hit the straps in the last game. The pace-trio has to deliver well against Chennai or Bangalore might face fourth consecutive defeat on Wednesday.

Players to watch out for:

1. Virat Kohli

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Virat Kohli returned to form in the last game with an impactful knock of 58 runs in 33 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six. That would give him loads of confidence. He will be the man to watch out for on Wednesday.

2. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell has looked in fine touch. He has played some decent knocks this season but hasn’t been able to play a big knock with the bat. In the last game, the Australian batter played a handy knock of 33 runs in 18 balls, including 3 fours and 2 sixes.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga

The pace bowling unit hasn’t lived up to the expectations this year for Bangalore. Thus, a lot of responsibility is on Hasaranga in the middle overs. Wrist spinners have done in the tournament and so has Hasaranga. He returned with bowling figures of 2 for 28 in 4 overs in the last match.

Probable Playing XI:

Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Mahipal Lomror, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood

Chennai:

Ravindra Jadeja handed back the leadership duties back to MS Dhoni and Chennai suddenly looked a different franchise. The openers recorded a 182-run partnership and Chennai notched 202 runs in the first game. They won the game by 13 runs. Chennai would be keen to extend their winning run on Wednesday.

Players to watch out for:

1. Ruturaj Gaikwad:

Ruturaj Gaikwad returned to form with an outstanding knock of 99 runs in 57 balls in the last match against Hyderabad. He hit 6 fours and 6 sixes during his stay at the crease and is expected to come good in the next game as well.

2. Devon Conway:

Devon Conway was included in the playing XI in the last game and he produced goods as well. The southpaw played an unbeaten 85-run knock in 55 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. Chennai would want him to continue his good run this season.

3. Mukesh Chaudhary

Mukesh Chaudhary is bowling well in the powerplay and consistenly picking wickets for the team. The left-arm seamer has proved out to be a great asset for the team. In the last game, he finished with bowling figures of 4 for 46 runs in 4 overs.

Probable Playing XI:

Ruturaj Gaikwad, Devon Conway, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (c & wk), Mitchell Santner, Dwaine Pretorius, Simarjeet Singh, Mukesh Choudhary, Maheesh Theekshana

Match Details:

Indian T20 League 2022 Match 49, Bangalore vs Chennai

Venue: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune

Date & Time: May 4, 7:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Star Sports Network for Television and Disney + Hotstar app for live streaming

Pitch Report:

The surface is a bit slow and the ball isn’t coming onto the bat nicely. It will be hard for batsmen to score runs right from the onset. Also, due to bigger dimensions of the ground, you expect the batsmen to take a lot of ones and twos. Spinners should come into play in the middle-order and both teams should look to bowl first upon winning the toss.