It's been the same old story for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are already well behind the 8-ball game in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. With three losses in four matches, RCB languish at the eighth spot in the points table. Faf du Plessis’ team can slip to an irrecoverable low if they don't get their act together against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur today Saturday.
RCB's lone win in the tournament has come against Punjab Kings, but worryingly, the 4-wicket victory was not as comprehensive as the three defeats they have suffered this season. Outplayed in all three losses (Vs CSK - 6 wickets; Vs KKR - 7 wickets and Vs LSG - 28 runs), the Men in Red can't afford to lose more ground in the race for the play-offs.
But to arrest the slide, they must overcome the high-flying Royals, who have made an unblemished start to their campaign. Victories against Lucknow Super Giants, Delh Capitals and Mumbai Indians have strengthened their campaign right on the onset. Another positive result would take them to the top of the points table.
Big guns must step up and support Kohli
Talisman Virat Kohli has been waging a lone battle for RCB. With 203 runs in four matches at a brilliant average of 67.66 with two fifties, the most successful batter in the tournament so far.
That RCB’s second-best batter, the 38-year-old Dinesh Karthik has just 90 runs against his name, tells a lot about RCB's miserable batting performances.
RCB's overseas stars, including skipper du Plessis, batter with the explosive tag Glenn Maxwell, and ace all-rounder Cameron Green, have batted well below par.
Bengaluru's over-dependence on Kohli has been one of the main reasons for their unsuccessful journey in IPL. If that needs to change, Kohli must get support from his team-mates.
Royals hope to iron out top-order woes
Despite registering three wins in as many games, the Rajasthan Royals' campaign has been far from perfect. RR are facing somewhat similar top-order issues as their opponents in today’s game.
Coming to IPL 2024 with a red-hot form, Yashasvi Jaiswal has flattered to deceive with just 39 runs from three matches. Explosive English wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler is yet to fire with the bat, managing 35 runs from three games at a poor strike-rate of 85.
Royals should thank their skipper Sanju Samson (109 runs, one fifty) and a rejuvenated Riyan Parag (181 runs, 2 fifties) for providing crucial contributions in all three wins. But the hosts will require a comprehensive team show to maintain their clean slate.
Bowling puts RR way ahead
RR have a massive edge over RCB in the bowling department. Left-arm pace duo of Trent Boult and Nandre Burger have combined well with the new ball while experienced leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has weaved his magic in the middle overs. The RR trio has shared 16 wickets between them.
If Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken one wicket in three matches at 8.3 runs per over, also joins the party, Royals' bowling would wear an even more dominant look.
Meanwhile, RCB's bowling attack has lacked in variety and strength. Left-arm pacer Yash Dayal and off-spinner Glenn Maxwell with four wickets each being the leading wicket-takers for the team says a lot about their state of affairs.
On potential Mohammed Siraj and Alzarri Joseph should be the match-winning pace combo. On ground, Siraj has given away 10 runs per over while Joseph is lacking in cutting edge despite his express pace. Joseph and his replacement in RCB's last match, Reece Topley have both conceded nine runs per over to deepen RCB's woes.
Head-to-head:
RCB and RR have locked horns in 30 IPL matches so far. The Challengers boast a superior record with 15 wins compared to Royals' 12 wins. Three matches between the two sides ended without a result.
RR vs RCB Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Faf du Plessis (c), Glenn Maxwell, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Mayank Dagar, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, Cameron Green, Alzarri Joseph, Yash Dayal, Tom Curran, Lockie Ferguson, Swapnil Singh, Saurav Chauhan.
Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Keshav Maharaj, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger.
Match starts at 7.30 PM IST.
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