England all-rounder Moeen Ali was finally handed his IPL debut after being named in the Royal Challengers Bangalore squad to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Englishman has had to warm the bench for nine matches without getting a look-in. His debut comes in a crunch clash for the RCB who need to win each of their remaining five games to stand a chance of making the playoffs.

The 30-year-old came into the IPL on the back of a poor Ashes series followed by another disappointing performance in England’s tour of New Zealand where he was ultimately dropped from the Test side.

Nevertheless, Moeen’s limited-overs credentials remain intact and his attacking batting and tight off-spin could prove to be handy for the Royal Challengers.

The all-rounder takes the place of former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum in the line-up who has failed to get going in the competition this year.

Virat Kohli’s men have lost six of their nine matches and they will be hoping Moeen’s introduction can provide the much needed spark. Calls for the Englishman’s introduction into the RCB playing XI had been growing with each passing week and they have now finally been answered by the team management.

Kohli won the toss and elected to bowl first on Monday. Click here for live updates from Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.