RCB hope to consolidate

Bangalore (PTI): After a clinical win against Rajasthan Royals, table-toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore will be keen to continue their fantastic run when they lock horns with the beleaguered Pune Warriors in the Pepsi IPL here on Tuesday.

Royal Challengers are on a roll after winning five matches they have played at home this season and would not want to fritter away their best chance to gain two more vital points before they play their next six games away.A The games would be a difficult proposition, considering they have lost both their away games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings.

Unlike the previous IPL seasons, the Royal Challengers have managed to get rid of the tag of being over-dependent on explosive West Indian batsman Chris Gayle, who has 257 runs under his belt in seven matches with an unbeaten 92 being his highest score this season.

The home side has been fantastic even in case of a flop show by Gayle, who also has to his credit 17 sixes and 22 boundaries. Either their captain Virat Kohli or aggressive South African wicketkeeper batsman AB de Villiers have come to the party erasing the Gayle-dependent tag.

Unlike last year when he struggled to get runs, Kohli has been in great form and is already the Orange Cap holder for smashing 322 runs in seven games with three scintillating half centuries to his credit.A De Villiers has been the perfect foil to Gayle and Kohli, playing second fiddle to both in-form batsmen.

It may appear that the Indian players have not contributed enough for the Royal Challengers but they haven't got enough chances to display their class.