Although it is a long season ahead, a strong start will be important. Chinnaswamy has not always been a bulwark for RCB, and the challenge is immediate against an SRH team loaded with explosive batsmen.On paper, the two teams have striking similarities. Both boast strong batting units, both are without their key Australian fast bowlers, and they will rely on a mix of experienced Indian names and promising youngsters. The situations only add to the intrigue. The last completed IPL game at the venue last season – RCB’s clash against CSK – saw 424 runs scored, with the hosts defending 215 by just two runs. If the surface lives up to its batting-friendly reputation, bowlers from both sides could be in for a long evening.Using the mini-auction to address specific shortcomings, RCB have largely retained the core that led them to their first title. The inclusion of Venkatesh Iyer and England’s Jordan Cox adds flexibility, while young Indian recruits like Mangesh Yadav and Vihaan Malhotra add depth and promise for the future.His batting remains his biggest strength. with Virat Kohli And with Phil Salt expected to set the tone up top, Jacob Bethell’s recent form adds another dynamic layer. The middle order has the experience and firepower of Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Venkatesh Iyer. In fact, the team management is facing the huge headache of preparing a balanced playing eleven.However, the absence of Josh Hazlewood, their most influential bowler last season, could be a significant blow. The Australian fast bowler, still trying to recover from injury concerns, only rejoined the team on Thursday and will miss the match. His absence puts the onus on Bhuvneshwar Kumar to lead the attack, especially in conditions where there is traditionally less margin for error. RCB are also without Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, who has not yet passed the fitness test in his country. In the absence of Hazlewood, New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy may be given a chance to make his IPL debut. He is expected to find a place in an otherwise Indian-heavy bowling unit, with emphasis being placed on the inclusion of youngsters Mangesh Yadav and Rasikh Dar. The spin department consisting of Krunal Pandya and Suyyash Sharma will also play an important role in controlling the middle overs.Meanwhile, SRH are looking equally strong with the bat as well. Led by Ishan Kishan, they have a destructive line-up of Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Reddy. However, their bowling looks relatively weak in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, even though they can call upon the experience of Harshal Patel, Brydon Carse and Jaydev Unadkat.Away from the on-field encounter, this will be a solemn homecoming for RCB. Players will wear black armbands in memory of the 11 people killed in the stampede during last year’s title celebration – a tragedy that continues to cast a shadow over the team and the venue.