Rajasthan Royals (RR) will face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22nd, in the Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
Both teams have had differing fortunes in the final stages of the league phase. While Rajasthan failed to secure a victory in any of their matches in May, Bengaluru emerged victorious in all four of their matches.
Read More: Manchester City’s 115 Charges: Potential Outcomes from Exoneration to Point Deductions and Beyond
RR vs RCB: Match Preview
Sport without a comeback story lacks its essence. Royal Challengers Bengaluru could potentially craft one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Indian Premier League (IPL) history in 2024. Their resurgence mirrors the legendary comeback of Liverpool in the Champions League 2019, when the English club fought back from the edge of elimination. RCB’s revival is nothing short of heroic, spectacular, incredible, and defiant.
Initially counted out of contention for the playoffs, the Bengaluru team defied all expectations by stringing together six consecutive victories – a feat unmatched by any team this IPL season. While the annals of IPL history are filled with notable unbeaten streaks – including RCB’s own seven-game run in 2011 – never before has a winning streak been as dramatic as this one. RCB’s resurgence is undeniably the defining narrative of the 2024 season, marking it as the ultimate comeback story.
As RCB prepares to face off against the Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it sets the stage for a battle befitting royalty, both literally and metaphorically. Led by Faf du Plessis and guided by Virat Kohli, RCB is riding high on momentum, while the Sanju Samson-led RR, despite their moments of brilliance, won’t be easily brushed aside. It’s a clash between two evenly matched sides, with the only notable distinction being RCB’s remarkable winning streak compared to RR’s recent string of losses. If momentum holds any sway in sports, RCB enters the contest with a significant advantage.
In the cricketing arena, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) batsmen, spearheaded by Kohli, will likely rely on the slog-sweep, a shot that has historically kickstarted his innings, to make an impact. One pivotal aspect of the game will hinge on how effectively Samson and coach Kumar Sangakkara strategize to compel RCB’s batsmen to explore alternative scoring options.
A crucial element of the match will be how adeptly Kohli confronts Trent Boult, the spearhead of the Rajasthan Royals’ bowling attack, known for his knack of striking early in the PowerPlays, often within the first over itself. Another intriguing matchup will unfold between Nandre Burger and du Plessis, setting the stage for a battle between the two South Africans.
The middle overs are poised for a contest between Rajat Patidar and the spin duo of R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal from the Royals’ side. While Ashwin has regained his form after a slow start to the season, Chahal, the IPL’s most successful bowler, remains a reliable asset despite a recent dip in form. Patidar, on the other hand, has rediscovered his touch by piling on runs against spinners, contributing significantly to RCB’s resurgence. This subplot promises to be a riveting battle within the broader contest. Additionally, the presence of Sandeep Sharma adds another dimension to the Royals’ bowling arsenal, given his past success against RCB.
Reflecting on their previous encounter, where RCB deployed a barrage of short-pitched deliveries against the RR batters, the approach to handling such tactics will be pivotal for the Royals. How effectively they counter or coerce RCB’s bowlers into adopting alternative strategies could sway the game’s outcome. Furthermore, RCB benefits from the resurgence of spearhead Mohammed Siraj and the proficient off-spin bowling of Glenn Maxwell, adding depth to their bowling lineup. While Maxwell’s primary role remains to accumulate runs, his bowling prowess provides an added advantage for the Bengaluru outfit.
Yash Dayal’s confidence is riding high following his match-winning final over against CSK in the previous game, while the inclusion of Karn Sharma, a seasoned campaigner with multiple IPL titles under his belt, augurs well for RCB. Sharma’s consistent performance with the ball, coupled with his history of success, positions him as a potential lucky charm for the team.
The significance of confidence and momentum in sports remains immeasurable. The contrasting trajectories of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) serve as poignant reminders of the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. However, alongside these intangibles, experience also plays a crucial role.
As the Eliminator approaches, RR finds themselves devoid of experience in navigating high-pressure, knockout situations this season. In stark contrast, RCB enters the fray with the advantage of having participated in, and emerged victorious from, six Eliminators already.
In Terms Of Recent Form:
Rajasthan Royals LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru WWWWW
RR vs RCB: Pitch Report & Conditions
The stage is set for a potentially high-scoring encounter, with both Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) boasting formidable lineups of big hitters and quality bowlers. The battleground may likely center around RCB’s batting prowess versus RR’s formidable bowling attack.
The Narendra Modi Stadium has showcased a mix of batting-friendly tracks and slower surfaces throughout the season. Both teams are well-equipped for high-scoring contests, making them open to such encounters. The toss-winning captain might opt to bowl first to assess the conditions, especially considering the potential influence of the dew factor, which could be influenced by the temperature drop from scorching daytime highs of 40-45°C to evening temperatures of 30-35°C.
The pitch for the Eliminator will be distinct from the strip used in Tuesday’s Qualifier 1, and no rain is forecasted for Ahmedabad on Wednesday. However, the extreme heat may play a role in determining the pitch behavior and the presence of dew during the latter stages of the game.
Scores at the venue have varied significantly this season, ranging from moderate totals to imposing ones. While the early league matches in Ahmedabad witnessed fewer 175-plus scores, recent games have seen totals soar, with notable scores like 200 for 3, 206 for 1 (RCB), 231 for 3, and 196 for 8. RR, having not played a match in Ahmedabad this season, will be adjusting to the conditions of the venue.
RR vs RCB: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 31
- Rajasthan Royals won: 13
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru Won: 15
- No Result: 03
- First Played: March 12, 2008
- Last Played: April 6, 2024
In their previous encounter, Rajasthan Royals secured a commanding victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, marking their fourth consecutive win in as many games, while RCB suffered their fourth defeat in five matches. Virat Kohli’s remarkable innings saw him scoring 113 runs off 72 balls in Jaipur, a performance that equaled the record for the slowest IPL century, although his batting tempo has significantly improved since then. However, the rest of RCB’s batting lineup failed to make substantial contributions, a trend that has since been rectified. RCB concluded their innings with a total of 183 for 3.
In response, Jos Buttler played a pivotal role in RR’s successful chase with a century. However, his absence from the current lineup leaves a notable void. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson’s contribution of 69 runs off 42 balls further bolstered RR’s chase, despite his recent struggles to surpass the 20-run mark in his last four innings.
RR vs RCB: Team News and Impact Player Strategy
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals faces a strategic dilemma heading into the Eliminator, with all players available except for Jos Buttler, who’s on national duty. Despite winning the toss in their previous full games, RR suffered losses after posting sub-par totals. Opting to bat first could align with their Impact Player strategy, featuring six batters and five bowlers in the XI for the first innings. This setup provides flexibility, allowing for the inclusion of a sixth specialist bowler for the chase if deemed necessary, without sacrificing batting depth initially.
However, fielding with six specialist bowlers in the starting XI leaves RR with only six specialist batters for the chase, potentially limiting their options. Recent lineup adjustments, such as swapping Dhruv Jurel for fast bowler Nandre Burger in Chennai and bringing in Donovan Ferreira as an extra batter against Punjab Kings in Guwahati due to a collapse, underscore the team’s adaptability based on match circumstances.
The fitness status of Shimron Hetmyer, who hasn’t played since May 2 due to injury, remains a key consideration. Despite being reported fit for RR’s last league fixture, he wasn’t named in the starting XI or the substitutes’ bench for the washed-out seven-over contest. If available for the Eliminator, Hetmyer could potentially replace either Rovman Powell or Donovan Ferreira.
Additionally, while Virat Kohli has successfully countered the threat posed by Trent Boult in the powerplay, he has faced challenges against Sandeep Sharma, falling seven times in 67 balls to the bowler.
Predicted XII:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Sanju Samson (capt & wk)
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer (if fit)
- R Ashwin
- Trent Boult
- Avesh Khan
- Sandeep Sharma
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Rovman Powell/Donovan Ferreira/Nandre Burger
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is likely to maintain their lineup consistency, with Reece Topley returning home to join the national team. In their previous game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), RCB reintroduced Glenn Maxwell into the XI following Will Jacks’ departure to England. Maxwell made an immediate impact, contributing with both bat and ball, scoring 16 off 5 balls and claiming a wicket with his first delivery, eventually finishing with figures of 1 for 25 in four overs.
The XI is expected to remain unchanged, with either Rajat Patidar or left-arm spinner Swapnil Singh starting in the XI, while the other serves as the Impact Player, contingent on the team’s decision to bat or bowl first.
Yash Dayal’s track record against Yashasvi Jaiswal, dismissing him twice in 12 balls while conceding only 11 runs, positions the left-arm pacer for a potentially significant role in the powerplay.
Predicted XII:
- Virat Kohli
- Faf du Plessis (capt)
- Rajat Patidar
- Cameron Green
- Glenn Maxwell
- Dinesh Karthik (wk)
- Mahipal Lomror
- Swapnil Singh
- Karn Sharma
- Lockie Ferguson
- Yash Dayal
- Mohammed Siraj
RR vs RCB: Players Under The Spotlight
RR
RR’s performance in the second half of the season has been marred by a decline in scoring rate, recording a run rate of 9.07, the lowest among all teams. Their top four batters, who showcased a collective average of 50 and a strike rate of 153 in the first nine games, have seen a dip in form. During their four successive defeats, the average has plummeted to 31.66, with a strike rate down to 133.42. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson have struggled to make significant contributions in recent innings, while Buttler’s replacement opener, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, also failed to make an impact in his lone outing ahead of the Eliminator.
Riyan Parag stands as an exception, maintaining his form amidst the team’s struggles, but RR will be banking on support from other players to bolster their batting lineup.
RCB
RCB’s resurgence, fueled by the blistering starts provided by Kohli and Faf du Plessis, coupled with Patidar’s dominance against spin in the middle overs, and the finishing prowess of Cameron Green and Dinesh Karthik, has resulted in a remarkable surge in run rate. Their run rate has soared from 9.54 in the first half of the season to an impressive 11.03 in the second half, emerging as the best in that period. Throughout their six-match winning streak, RCB has maintained an impressive strike rate of 170 in the powerplay, 174 in the middle overs, and an astonishing 199 at the death, with nearly all their batters displaying prime form heading into the Eliminator.
Complementing their batting excellence, RCB’s bowlers have significantly tightened their grip, reducing their collective economy rate from a league-worst 10.70 in the first half of the season to an impressive 9.22, ranking second best in the latter half.
RR vs RCB: Match Prediction
Scenario 1:
- Rajasthan Royals win the toss and bowl
- Power Play score: 50-60
- First Innings Score: 170-180
- Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore win the match
Scenario 2:
- Royal Challengers Bangalore win the toss and bowl
- Power Play Score: 45-55
- First Innings Score: 160-170
- Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore win the match
RR vs RCB: Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction
Team 1:
- Keeper: Sanju Samson
- Batsman: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar
- All-rounders: Riyan Parag (VC), Glenn Maxwell (C), Cameron Green
- Bowlers: Trent Boult, Karn Sharma
Team 2:
- Keeper: Sanju Samson
- Batsman: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Faf du Plessis, Virat Kohli (C), Rajat Patidar
- All-rounders: Riyan Parag (VC), Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green
- Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal
When and Where to Watch the Match: Streaming & Broadcast Details
What: Eliminator- Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), IPL 2024
When: 7:30 PM IST, Wednesday – May 22
Where: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Where to watch RR vs RCB Live Streaming: JioCinema app for FREE
Where to watch RR vs RCB Live Telecast: Star Sports
