IPL 2018: Match 53, RR vs RCB, Preview- All-or-nothing for both teams in virtual knock-out clash

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) campaigns have been dissimilar. The Royals began their endeavour handsomely but stumbled in the middle phase. However, Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer helped their franchise arrest their slump to an extent. On the contrary, the Challengers had an abysmal start to their journey and lost quite a few matches to find themselves in a precarious position.

From a point where they needed to win all their last four encounters, the franchise has soared above expectations and have roared to three wins on the trot. Despite their contrasting journies, RCB and RR find themselves in a situation where they have to win this one last match. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium is set to witness another electrifying match as both teams will lock horns tomorrow.

Virat Kohli’s men and Ajinkya Rahane’s team are hung on 12 points from 13 matches. RR have lost a couple of their prolific performers and their omission is expected to leave a massive void in the lineup. However, the fact that they will be playing at home may work to their advantage. RCB, on the other hand, will be keen on maintaining their winning streak and thus marching their way into the playoffs.

Toss: RR won the toss and elected to bat first

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Rahul Tripathi, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ish Sodhi, Jaydev Unadkat, Ben Laughlin

Royal Challengers Bangalore (Playing XI): Parthiv Patel(w), Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, Colin de Grandhomme, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Team Combination

Rajasthan Royals

The Royals will make three changes- two forced and one voluntary. Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes’ departure will mean that Heinrich Klaasen and Ben Laughlin are expected to be roped in place of the two Englishmen. Rahane has to open with Rahul Tripathi followed by Sanju Samson and Klaasen, and these four batsmen have to take the chunk of the responsibility.

Krishnappa Gowtham’s prowess with the willow can’t be undermined either. Prashant Chopra will replace Anureet Singh to strengthen the batting. In the bowling department, Jofra Archer and Ish Sodhi remain to be their go-to men. Gowtham’s off-breaks in the powerplay also need to come to the fore. Jaydev Unadkat and Ben Laughlin will have to contribute their bit as well.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

RCB are unlikely to tinker with the winning combination. Virat Kohli and Parthiv Patel will open the batting followed by the charismatic AB de Villiers. Moeen Ali succeeded at number four and he is likely to be persisted with at the spot. Colin de Grandhomme, eventually, churned out a substantial knock and have to be on top of his as well against the Royals.

Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan add to the depth of their batting. In the bowling department, Umesh Yadav and Tim Southee need to make inroads. Mohammed Siraj has been impressive and is required to replicate his form in the upcoming match as well. Yuzvendra Chahal and Moeen are expected to shoulder the mantle with their guile and trajectory. De Grandhomme’s wily medium pace will also be crucial.

Players to watch out for

Ajinkya Rahane- Rajasthan Royals

He strained to deliver in the previous matches. However, in the must-win clash, all eyes will be on the RR skipper. He hasn’t quite lived up to the expectations and the must-win match will test his tenacity and temperament, both as a captain and as a batsman. There’s no doubt surrounding his abilities, but he has to bring them forth and help his team to their seventh victory.

Umesh Yadav- Royal Challengers Bangalore

Yadav has been in prime form and picked up wickets mostly in his first spell. In the previous match versus the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), he didn’t present loose deliveries for the batsmen to work with. Tomorrow, the Indian pacer will have the opportunity to make inroads in RR’s depleted batting lineup. RCB will be hoping for their gun bowler to bring forth his A-game and guide his team to a win.

Head to Head

Played- 17, RR- 8, RCB- 8, NR/Tie- 1

StatAttack

398 –Virat Kohli needs two more sixes for completing 400 sixes in his professional career.

37.42 – Ajinkya Rahane has a batting average of 37.42 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.

Broadcast details

TV– Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Jalsha (Bengali), Star Maa Movies (Telegu), Star Sports Tamil

Online– Hotstar & YuppTv

Match Timings: 16:00 IST, 10:30 GMT

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