Desperation mode is where RCB find themselves in as they play their tenth match of IPL 2017, in Pune against the Rising Pune Supergiant. With the Royal Challengers Bangalore needing five wins out their remaining five matches, it is obvious which team will carry the burden of cannot-lose-this pressure.
RCB have been extremely poor with the bat over their last couple of matches, which have led to heavy defeats, and they need to get their batting in order against RPS on Saturday.
When you look at the squad, the Royal Challengers Bangalore always look like one of the teams that should cruise to the top four and even make it to the final of the IPL.
However, too many times in the past, RCB have flattered to deceive, and that worrying trend is on show again in IPL 2017.
Whenever Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers fail with the bat, RCB inevitably end up losing, and that over-reliance is something that has cost the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the past and this season.
However, rely on these three they must again, because if anybody's capable of getting RCB back and running again, it is these three.
Gayle and Kohli need to get going at the top of the innings, so that De Villiers arrives at the crease when there is a bit of positive energy flowing through the team, with the South African then doing what he does best.
RPS will know the importance of getting those three wickets early, because the rest of the batsmen – Kedar Jadhav has been good, but he needs to be better and make better decisions – are likely to cave in, if the top three goes.
The Rising Pune Supergiant are on bounce-back mode after a defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite that loss, they are still in fourth spot with four wins in eight matches, but they will know they cannot afford to drop below .500, if they are to stay there come the end of the season.
Winning home games are essential if you are to make it to the playoffs, and RPS need to put on a batting and bowling show for the fans in Pune against this wounded RCB team.
When and where to watch live
IPL 2017 Match 34 -- RPS vs RCB -- is set to begin at 4pm IST. TV and live streaming information is below.
India: TV: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony Max. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 2. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa: TV: SuperSport Two. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
