RCB are the only unbeaten team remaining in the competition this season. Led by Virat Kohli, the Challengers have won three consecutive matches. On the other hand, RR have struggled in the initial stages of the tournament, losing two of their three games so far.
RCB started their campaign with a victory against the defending champions, Mumbai Indians. They backed it up with a thrilling victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bangalore secured their third consecutive victory on Sunday after they secured a convincing victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB defeated the Knight Riders by 38 runs after some impressive performances from AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell has been RCB’s standout player this season and already has two half-centuries to his name.
Rajasthan Royals lost Ben Stokes to injury after the first game. Moreover, Jofra Archer is sidelined due to a hand injury. Liam Livingstone has withdrawn from the IPL, citing bubble fatigue which leaves RR short on personnel. The Royals started the tournament with a loss against Punjab Kings. However, they bounced back with an impressive victory over Delhi Capitals. They were unable to continue their momentum as Chennai Super Kings defeated them in their last game.
Royal Challengers Bangalore currently sit on the top of the points table, whereas Rajasthan Royals languish on the seventh spot with just two points in their three games.
Key Players
Virat Kohli has not had his best tournament so far. The RCB skipper managed to score just five runs in the last match, before he was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy. Kohli got off to a good start against Sunrisers Hyderabad but was dismissed for a score of just 33 runs. The Indian captain has achieved tremendous success, opening the batting in IPL cricket. He scored over 900 runs in 2016, which included four centuries from the top of the order. If RCB are to lay their hands on their maiden IPL title, Virat Kohli will need to deliver with the bat on a consistent basis.
RCB purchased Glenn Maxwell at the auction after he was released by Punjab Kings. The Australian has finally lived up to his expectations, as he has scored three crucial knocks for his side so far. The all-rounder has already scored 176 runs so far, which includes two half-centuries. He scored a valuable knock of 78 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders and came in at a time when RCB had lost two early wickets. The Australian kept his composure and put his team in a commanding position after his incredible knock.
Jos Buttler showed signs of his former self after he scored a decent knock of 49 runs against Chennai Super Kings. The Englishman is a key player for Rajasthan Royals this season after Ben Stokes was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Buttler tends to score runs at a rapid pace and is a major threat to the opposition if he does get his eye in.
Sanju Samson scored a brilliant century in the first game against Punjab Kings. The RR skipper scored 119 runs off just 63 balls, which included 12 fours and seven sixes. However, he could not guide his team past the finishing line after he was dismissed on the last ball of the innings. Samson has failed to impress in the previous two games after getting out on low scores. He managed to score just one run against Chennai Super Kings, before he was dismissed by Sam Curran. Samson will hope to perform consistently for his side, as RR is missing several key players this season.
Prediction
Royal Challengers Bangalore enter the match as the more confident of the two sides. The Challengers were clinical in their last game against KKR, and outplayed them in all three departments of the game. Maxwell has been a vital addition in the middle order, with AB de Villiers being assigned the role of a finisher. The former South African batsman was awarded the player of the match in the last game after scoring 76 runs off just 34 balls.
Rajasthan Royals are still not settled on their team combination after Stokes’ departure. Manan Vohra has disappointed in the first three games, which might lead to some changes in the batting lineup. Moreover, RR lack a specialist spinner in their squad, with Tewatia and Parag being the only viable options. However, they have a strong pace bowling lineup, with the likes of Morris, Rahman and Sakariya doing a fine job so far.
