RCB has the edge

In terms of quality equations the opponents are as wide apart as they can be. Psychologically too, Royal Challengers Bangalore are on song with a fourth place in the standings while defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders are at low seventh. On that count their Sunday showdown at JSCA International Cricket Stadium in Ranchi will be revolving around how much the home team can stretch itself and make a match of it. Bangalore is almost there at the play-offs and comprehensive win against Kolkata will cement their place. However, complacency would be suicidal as in addition to Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, even the inaugural edition winner, Rajasthan Royals, is up there at No three with 18 points from 13 outings while Bangalore has only 16 points from as many matches. Although, on paper Kolkata has an outside chance following their win over Pune, Kolkata will need contributions in all departments. Bowlers like Sunil Narine and Iqbal Abdullah have out-dominated the batsmen, which comes as a negative trait when confronted with a resurgent Bangalore, which knows that a win here would lessen their worries to considerable levels. Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli led from the front with an awe-inspiring 99 off 58 balls in their last outing. The middle-order is not too long but the likes of AB de Villiers and Moises Henriques have provided stability whenever required. And, of course, there is Chris Gayle.