RR Vs RCB, Match Preview
The Rajasthan Royals have been irritated by injuries throughout 2021. They lost the backbone of the team, and just when they seemed to be finding their straps, they had to leave Kartik Tyagi out of a game. Kartik Tyagi defended four in the final over, is in brilliant form, but injury meant he had to sit out for a game. They lost, and will now have to fight for ground again in a competitive mid-table battle.
The Royal Challengers have also been inconsistent in the second leg. They lost to Chennai and Kolkata, but fought back well against Mumbai. They defended a good score, and the bowling did a brilliant job. Harshal Patel is back in form after an incredible hat-trick, and is sealing the purple cap with each wicket.
Glenn Maxwell has also found his rhythm. He hit a fifty against Mumbai, and it was full of his famous switch-hits. Yuzvendra Chahal is also bowling well again, and the balance is looking better at the moment. The Royal Challengers are well placed to make the playoffs with twelve points currently. A couple of wins should seal the deal for them. RR on the other hand need a few wins to break away from the middle-order muddle. The fixture is very important for them, as they fight for a playoff spot.
RR Vs RCB, Team News
Royals are constantly tinkering with their overseas combination. Injuries aren’t allowing them to be consistent with selection, and the side looks unsettled. Liam Livingstone is moving around the batting order, and Morris is carrying niggles which puts his availability in doubt.
The Royal Challengers don’t have too many fitness issues. They used a good combination against Mumbai, with Christian returning to the side. As the pattern did the job, they will likely continue with the same line-up.
RR Vs RCB, Predicted XIs
Royal Challengers Bangalore (probable): 1 Virat Kohli (capt), 2 Devdutt Paddikal, 3 Srikar Bharat (wk), 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 AB de Villiers, 6 Dan Christian, 7 Shahbaz Ahmed, 8 Kyle Jamieson/Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Harshal Patel, 10 Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Mohammed Siraj
Rajasthan Royals (probable): 1 Evin Lewis, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 David Miller/Liam Livingstone, 5 Mahipal Lomror, 6 Riyan Parag, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Chris Morris, 9 Chetan Sakariya, 10 Kartik Tyagi/Jaydev Unadkat, 11 Mustafizur Rahman
RR Vs RCB, Players to Watch out for
Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson is in imperious form. He single-handedly kept Rajasthan in the game against Delhi and Hyderabad, despite scant support from his partners. A notable change in his style is the slow starts to his innings. With many players injured, Samson looks more conservative, and is taking the innings deeper. He is finishing the innings well, and is looking very dangerous. With some more support from his teammates, Rajasthan could look a lot more dangerous in the tournament.
Ab De Villiers
Maxwell and Chahal found their rhythm in the last game, and Ab De Villiers is left still searching for form. He hasn’t played much Cricket in recent times, and it is showing. The batter looks rusty, but will ensure he finds his best very soon. With Virat Kohli stepping down from captaincy, this season is crucial for Ab to show that he can take up the job in the next season.
RR Vs RCB, Pitch and Conditions
The Dubai pitch has been helpful for the batters under lights. There is some early swing, with grass on the pitch, and enough bounce to keep pacers interested. The ball is stopping occasionally, giving spinners some hope as well. Chasing is a better option on the surface.
