Here comes the perfect do-or-die clash. The wounded-Rajasthan Royals (RR) set to host the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a must-win clash. The loser will automatically be knocked out from the lucrative tournament while the winner will see the rest of the games in a hope of playoffs berth.
Rajasthan Royals – Need to overcome Buttler-Stokes absence
The England duo has received a call-up for the Test series against Pakistan thus leaving their franchise earlier than expected. Their absence will certainly drop the shoulders of Rajasthan. But it is also a perfect opportunity for the other individuals – to push their bar by giving the much-needed performance for the side.
Sanju Samson has delivered goods with the bat when he played against Royal Challengers in the previous clash. He is once again set to carry the major role on his shoulders.
It is also the high time for skipper Ajinkya Rahane to flourish for his side in the absence of big fishes
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Jofra Archer and Jaydev Unadkat are shaping up nicely while Ish Sodhi has been fantastic with his line and lengths.
Krishnappa Gowtham is bleeding the runs at a greater run rate which needs an immediate attention by the Rajasthan management.
However, despite the absence of big guns, Rajasthan still have the players who can single-handedly floor the opposition on their given day.
Royal Challengers would like to give a perfect finish for league stage:
Royal Challengers had made a tremendous turnaround in the last few games with their brilliant gameplay. The clash against Rajasthan is their final hurdle in order to give them a great chance for the qualification in playoffs.
Thankfully, the bowling department has been delivering the goods at the right junctures of the game. The likes of Tim Southee, Mohammed Siraj, and Yuzvendra Chahal have been exceptional in their ranks while Umesh Yadav is breathing fire for the team.
The part-time options Moeen Ali and Colin de Grandhomme have been wayward in their previous encounter but RCB would hope them to deliver the goods if asked to roll their arms.
Coming to the batting department, all the batsmen got into their shoes at the right time. The players have delivered the goods when it mattered the most.
The form of Moeen Ali has brought new energy to the unit while de Grandhomme is playing a perfect role in giving the finishing touch.
All in all, a cracking game is at the store with both teams coming into the game with an aim of winning the game by all means.
With Rajasthan pitch helping the bowlers, a perfect contest between bat and ball is on the cards.
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Possible Playing XI:
Rajasthan Royals: D’Arcy Short, Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Heinrich Klassen, Rahul Tripathi, Stuart Binny, K Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat
RCB: Parthiv Patel, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, Colin de Grandhomme, Mandeep Singh, Sarfraz Khan, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal
Pitch Report – Surprisingly, the pitch at Jaipur is helping the spinners thus making the life hard for the batsmen.
Weather Report – It is going to be a tough day at the office for players with temperature going high and high.
Date & Time – 19th May 2018, 16:00 IST
Venue – Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Live Telecast – Star Sports Network, Jio, and Hotstar Premium Customers