New Delhi: In sole encounter of the Indian Premier League on Wednesday, Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will face Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.


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In today's encounter, where Punjab would look to end their four-match losing streak, Bangalore would try to take the home advantage to consolidate their position in the points table.


George Bailey-led Punjab, the finalists of the last edition, are currently placed at the bottom in the points table after losing seven matches out the nine they have played in the on-going edition. And now their chances of making it to the play-offs are all but over.


Though, RCB lost their last encounter against mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but while playing at home, they are certainly the favourites.


Key players for Punjab -- Virender Sehwag, Mitchell Johnson and Glenn Maxwell – have failed to make the kind of impact they were expected to ahead of the tournament. And that's the major reason behind their team's poor show.


Players who can make an impact in today's tie


Mitchell Starc: The Australian pacer will once again spearhead the RCB bowling attack. Fortunes of Bangalore have changed drastically since the left-arm bowler has joined the squad. His ability to make early inroads and cramp the batsman for room, at the death, make him a marquee player. His stats speak for him. The 25-year-old has scalped 11 wickets in five matches thus far to prove his mettle. Punjab batsmen need to be wary while facing the seamer tonight.


Murali Vijay: At a time when swashbuckling batsmen in the team – Sehwag, Maxwell – are struggling with the willow, opener Vijay has stand and deliver. In eight innings the right-hander crossed the 30-run mark on four occasions. But he has to make sure that once he gets the start, he should convert it into a big score to give his side a good start up front. Short boundaries and placid track might help him to play a match-winning knock for his depleted side.