WHAT’S AT STAKE:
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) can capitalise on their new-found confidence and take another step towards sealing the playoffs spot against a struggling Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Royals need a win to get par with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI), who have 10 points each from 11 games. A win against RCB will get Royals to the fifth place pushing MI down.
Skipper Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell coming back in form is a big positive for RCB. Srikar Bharat’s addition to the top order has provided a balance in the batting lineup. They are still searching for an overseas finisher in the lower middle order to help them post big totals or execute run chases. Daniel Christian is likely to get another chance since he got to play just three deliveries in the previous match.
On the bowling side of things, Yuzvendra Chahal has been a consistent performer and slowly coming back to his own. Harshal Patel is once again executing the death overs specialist bowler role to perfection. Patel is currently the leading wicket-taker in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 by far, thanks to his maiden hat-trick.
RCB still need more from their overseas bowler. Their new recruit Dushmantha Chameera is still waiting on the bench to make his IPL debut. RCB may test out the Sri Lankan fast bowler against Royals since Kyle Jamieson has been far from effective.
In the second phase, Royals’ batting looks too dependent on their skipper Sanju Samson. Their overseas recruits have been inconsistent. Evin Lewis showed a glimpse of his CPL form on his RR debut but is due for a big one. Royals’ Liam Livingstone has had a similar second phase. Given a big responsibility to control the innings in middle overs Livingstone has failed to replicate his success on UAE pitches. RR have tried David Miller in the middle too. However, they have Glenn Phillips waiting on the sidelines waiting to make his IPL debut.
As far as the local talent is concerned, Riyan Parag has been a huge disappointment with the bat with just 84 runs in the season. RR paid big money to rope in the services of Shivam Dube but have not utilised him properly. Dube has better numbers than Parag scoring 145 runs from six appearances.
In the bowling department, Chris Morris and Tabraiz Shamsi have remained wicketless so far. Shamsi made his debut when Morris was unfit to play but the no.1 T20I bowler was taken to the cleaners. Morris may be given another chance but RR have another fast bowler in form of Oshane Thomas waiting for a chance. However, leaving Morris out does weaken their lower middle order. On the other hand, Mustafizur Rahman has been doing a fine job as far alongside Chetan Sakariya and young Kartik Tyagi.
