At the Chinnaswamy on Tuesday, RCB will again start clear favourites when they host an inconsistent Pune Warriors India, who suffered a stunning last-over defeat against underdogs Kings XI Punjab on Sunday despite posting a formidable 185.
Tuesday's clash offers RCB a chance to win their sixth match at home before they embark on a gruelling 20-day journey for their away fixtures before returning home to complete their two remaining matches -- against Kings XI Punjab (May 14) and Chennai Super Kings (May 19).
As RCB's opener Tillakaratne Dilshan said, the team's intention is to win against Pune as tough challenges await them.
"Our aim is to win the match, to get to 12 points and finish at the top of the table before we embark on our away matches," said Dilshan. "We are playing away and need to adjust to the conditions as quickly as possible," he added.
RCB did fire as a unit against Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, with their bowlers, especially the pacers, coming up with a disciplined effort before their batsmen wrapped it up in a canter.
Their key batsman Gayle, who was largely subdued against Rajasthan, has produced a few match-winning knocks while his opening partner Dilshan, recovering from a bruised right knuckle, appeared to have regained his confidence following his 23-ball 25 against Rajasthan.
With Mayank Agarwal, who made way for the Sri Lankan, ruled out for at least two weeks after he sustained a finger injury in Chennai, Dilshan is certain to open with Gayle again.
If Kohli is the top scorer of the tournament with 321 runs @ 64.20, interestingly, RCB has the leading wicket taker too in R Vinay Kumar, who has 12 scalps so far (as on Sunday).
With the Chinnaswamy wicket aiding the fast bowlers, a lot will be expected from the pacers.
Pune, meanwhile, will look for more consistency and get back to winning ways.
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