The Match: The Kings XI Punjab will take on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 62nd game of the Indian Premier League on Tuesday. The match will be played at the HPCA ground at Dharmasala and will see the two sides wanting to win the game desperately. Of course, the reasons are different…
How the two teams match up: …for the Punjab team to win this one is imperative if they want to stay in the tournament. Punjab will need to win their remaining two games to have a semblance of a chance to get to the playoffs and a loss to the Royal Challengers Bangalore will be a spanner in their works.
Of course, Kings XI Punjab come into the game with a series of three wins to their names, which will augur well for the side’s momentum. Speaking of momentum, it really belongs to the Bangalore side. The visitors have won seven matches in a row and have not only qualified for the playoffs but are looking good to end in the top two positions – something that should give them a better chance of making it to the final. 
Ground Conditions: As was evident in the previous game played at Dharmasala, the pitch was true in nature and made life easy for the batsmen. However, it was also seen that when the pace bowlers bent their backs, they got the bounce and the spinners were seen doing a god job – Piyush Chawla got three wickets and the man of the match award.
The Teams: Bangalore have relied so heavily on Chris Gayle that one almost shudders to think what would happen if he got out early. By his own admission, he has been very consistent and that is the reason why he has been able to be a force. In the absence of Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli has captained the side well and will look to ensure that he can continue to get the runs that he has got when his side has required him to.
Punjab will look to Adam Gilchrist and David Hussey to find form for the side. Praveen Kumar may end up bowling his four overs on a trot given the manner in which he has done with the new ball.
Players to look out for: Piyush Chawla was the man of the match in the previous game and his battle with Gayle will be an interesting one. How Sreenath Aravind bowls will also be crucial.
Prediction: Despite going in as favourites, Bangalore will face a tough battle from Punjab.