Still early days in IPL 2021, but it’s important how a team gets off the mark. Early confidence helps teams gain a stride or two over oppositions and that is the reason why Royal Challengers Bangalore will enjoy an upper hand over Sunrisers Hyderabad when the two meet in Chennai on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli’s RCB outplayed champions Mumbai Indians in their season opener, but David Warner’s Sunrisers were beaten by Kolkata Knight Riders in their first match.

Though RCB had played decently in their opening game, Kohli might still opt for a few changes in the team. The most predictable one would be the return of opener Devdutt Padikkal, provided the immensely talented left-handed batsman is match fit after recovering from Covid-19. In his absence, captain Kohli had opened the innings with Washington Sundar in the last match. The Kohli-Padikkal pair, however, looks much more potent.

If Padikkal plays, Rajat Patidar might have to sit out.

With Kohli, AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell in the team, RCB do not have many worries on the batting front.

The same, however, cannot be said about their bowling. Lead spinner Yuzvendra Chahal looked quite ordinary and conceded over 10 runs per over without taking a wicket.

RCB will also have to think about continuing with Daniel Christian as the all-rounder in the team. The Australian failed to make a mark both with the bat and ball in the first match.

Multiple worries

For Sunrisers, one feels that they missed Kane Williamson badly in their first game. The New Zealand captain, one learns, is not yet match-fit.

If Williamson doesn’t play, the onus of scoring will be on Warner, Jonny Bairstow and Manis Pandey.

The Sunrisers bowlers, barring Rashid Khan, lacked discipline against the Knight Riders and perhaps including a Jason Holder in the XI can boost their bowling attack.