In essence, that sums up Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s performance in their first four games of the new season: same old worries. Faf du Plessis’ team’s hopes of making the playoffs are rapidly dwindling with just one victory. Batting has been inconsistent, while bowling has been terribly executed with no clarity. With a typical crisis situation, RCB prepares for a difficult matchup against Rajasthan Royals, one of only two teams undefeated so far this season. The fact that the meeting is taking place in Jaipur adds to the visitors’ confusion, especially considering RR’s formidable home record.
The Rajasthan Royals are off to a great start this season. The management will be extremely happy with three wins out of three and the way the victories were achieved. While Riyan Parag’s comeback adds another dimension to the batting unit, bowling remains their strongest suit. With Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal still to score, the Assam batter’s form bodes well for the squad. The pair will eventually find their groove, which will bode poorly for the hosts’ batting. RR struggled at home during the 2023 season, but they are back to their typical winning ways in Jaipur this year.
Considering the large size of the field and its track record of mostly two-paced pitches, the hitting of the Royals will have their work cut out for them. For strokeplay, the majority of their hitters like pace on the ball, and RR’s bowlers will know how to take advantage of these gaps. The weather may provide some relief for Bangalore’s bowlers, but they would still have to deal with Rajasthan’s strong batting lineup. This subplot has the ability to determine how the game turns out.
When: April 6, Saturday, 19:30 IST
Where: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur; Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
What to expect: The side batting first has scored 180 or more in both of the season’s two Jaipur games, despite historical records to the contrary. One arrived at an afternoon match, while the other in a nighttime competition. In the night game, batting got easier, and this might become a recurring theme. Although it should still be batting-friendly, there might be something to keep bowlers engaged.
Head-to-head: After 30 games, RR leads RCB by a narrow margin of 15–12, with three no-results also in the mix.
Group observation:
Royals of Rajasthan
Injury/Availability: There have been no reported casualties, thus everything is good in the RR camp regarding the squad’s fitness.
Strategies and Matchups: Sandeep Sharma enjoys playing for the Royals. In 18 games, he has taken 26 wickets at a cost-effective economy rate of 7.94 and a strike rate of 15.6. Although he has traditionally played both at the death and with the new ball in equal measure, RR appears to have handed him a full-fledged role as a death-over specialist this season. Sandeep, nevertheless, has a perfect record against Virat Kohli, having dismissed the top batsman for the Royal Bengal seven times in 67 deliveries! In 15 deliveries, Sandeep has also removed Glenn Maxwell twice. It’s anyone’s guess if this data will make his role in this contest more flexible or not. The Royals should start an unchanged lineup against the Mumbai Indians because of how impressive their victory was.
The probable starting eleven are: Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Nandre Burger, Avesh Khan, Trent Boult, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c/wk), and Dhruv Jaiswal. [Shubham Dubey, Impact Substitution]
Bangalore’s Royal Challengers
Injury/Availability: It is anticipated that every player will be available for the Jaipur match.
Strategies and Positioning: Although Jos Buttler isn’t playing well right now, everyone is aware of the threat he poses. Especially in Sawai Mansingh Stadium, where he has amassed runs at will. Luckily for RCB, they have two bowlers who are superior to the English white-ball captain in terms of wood. Mohammed Siraj has also accounted for the opening twice in 29 deliveries, while fellow Englishman Reece Topley has removed Buttler four times in 42 deliveries. The outcome of this new-ball fight may have a significant impact on RCB’s bowling performance in the match.
The likely starting eleven are: Dinesh Karthik, Mayank Dagar, Reece Topley, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Anuj Rawat (wk), Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, and Glenn Maxwell. Mahipal Lomror is the impact substitute.
Did you realize?
– Jos Buttler’s score of 13, achieved in the most recent match against the Mumbai Indians, is his highest in his last six IPL innings. After three consecutive ducks at the end of the 2023 Indian Premier League, the Englishman’s start to the new season hasn’t changed much.
What they expressed:
We were unable to form a partnership because it takes two players to bat through. We need the resilient individuals in the changing room to raise their hands.” – Faf du Plessis wants the more seasoned players on his team to contribute more to the batting department.
The only thing that has changed is that I have made things simpler. “This year, the goal is simple: watch the ball, hit the ball,” Riyan Parag says, divulging the straightforward key to his redemption. Before I would think about things too much.
