Bangalore back to winning ways

IPL STROKES

PRANAV MEHTA

The race to the play-offs is getting more intense with each passing game. While Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings look well set to take the top two spots, the other franchises are battling for the other two. Royal Challengers Bangalore are on the third spot with 12 points from 10 games. 16 is expected to be the comfortable qualification mark, but considering the situation, it’s expected to be a multiple team fight on net run-rate at 14 points. Rajasthan Royals, with 8 points from 10 games as well, are at No 6 on the table. With Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians also in a similar situation, the finish should be more than interesting.

Bangalore finally found the winning way against Mumbai after putting themselves and the fans in a state of panic by losing two back-to-back games against Kolkata and Chennai. RCB made a number of changes to their line-up for the game against Mumbai. As this turned out to be a winning combination, the franchise is likely to stick to the same XI.

Bangalore have 4 games left in the league stage and need to win 2 games to qualify, while also having an eye on the top 2 spots, for which they would need a few results to go their way. Specially, Virat Kohli pulling out of captaincy after this season, Bangalore fans are highly hopeful of lifting the championship for the first time ever this year.

SANJU LONE HOPE

This edition of IPL hasn’t been memorable for Rajasthan Royals so far, but things can change if they can get to winning ways in their next four games. But this looks highly unlikely with the way story has gone so far. Although, there has been a ray of hope, with Sanju Samson’s form, which allowed him to pick the orange cap (highest run scorer) for the time being.

Back to back losses against the Delhi and the weakest team of the season Sunrisers Hyderabad, broke the back of the Rajasthan, but captain Sanju is still trying to fly the flag with his sole warrior attitude.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

The match is at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, which has not been the easiest pitch to bat on. However, teams are now scoring in excess of 160 and it was even chased down recently. The spinners will still be hard to get away and the pacers need to rely on change-ups.

Royal Challengers might feel that they have found the right team combination finally and will look forward to go unchanged in this encounter. Although, they are definitely playing a spinner less and this being covered up with the pacers bowling a lot of slower ones. Expect Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and Glenn Maxwell to get runs. Ab de Villiers might get a special one this game.

Rajasthan are in a very difficult situation and they really don’t know what needs to be done. Cricket is a batsman’s game and they are struggling with the consistency with the bat, specially with game finishing capabilities. Royals need Chris Morris to fire and he needs some company, but these slow low wickets aren’t ideal ground for him. Shreyas Gopal has always done well against Bangalore and he needs a walk into the team. Liam Livingstone might get a game more. Karthik Tyagi, if fit might come back in for Jaydev Unadkat.