IPL 2024 Eliminator: Rajasthan Royals Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – High-Stakes Clash Awaits
Sanju Samson’s Royals Face Faf du Plessis’ RCB in Do-or-Die Eliminator
RCB Vs RR Eliminator – The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 playoffs kick off with a high-voltage encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Wednesday. Both teams understand the significance of this match, with the loser’s IPL journey coming to an end.
Rajasthan Royals: A Campaign of Ups and Downs
Rajasthan Royals started the season strong, even occupying the top spot at one point. However, their momentum dipped with four consecutive losses, pushing them down the table. While they had a chance to finish second, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s win and a washout against Kolkata Knight Riders meant RR could only manage a third-place finish.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: A Remarkable Turnaround
Royal Challengers Bangalore’s journey in IPL 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Facing potential elimination, RCB displayed incredible resilience, winning five matches in a row. Their final league stage match was a do-or-die situation, requiring them to win by a minimum of 18 runs. In a dominant performance, RCB not only achieved the target but secured a convincing 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings, booking their place in the playoffs.
The eliminator match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for survival in the tournament.
RCB Vs RR Eliminator: Weather/Pitch Report
Clear Skies for Eliminator Clash: Fans Set for Uninterrupted Cricket Action
Good news for cricket fans! Unlike many IPL matches this season, the highly anticipated eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Ahmedabad will be blessed with clear weather. Rain won’t be a party pooper – there’s a zero percent chance of precipitation.
Get ready for a hot and sunny afternoon with temperatures hovering around 31-32°C. The evening will likely remain clear and warm, making it a perfect setting for an uninterrupted cricket experience at the world’s largest stadium. So, settle in and enjoy a full evening of exciting action as these two teams battle it out for IPL survival!
RCB’s Ahmedabad Advantage with a Twist: Toss Crucial for Evening Swing
Royal Challengers Bangalore hold a recent winning memory at the Ahmedabad stadium, having cruised to victory against Gujarat Titans with a Will Jacks century. However, that was a day game.
The upcoming clash against Rajasthan Royals is an evening encounter, and things might play out differently. Both captains will likely prioritize winning the toss and electing to bat first. Here’s why:
- Evening Swing: As the day progresses, the pitch cools down and moisture condenses in the air. This creates ideal conditions for pacers to swing the new ball, potentially causing early trouble for the RR batsmen.
- Building a Strong Total: Batting first under these conditions could allow the team winning the toss to put up a good score on the board. This puts pressure on the opposition team chasing later in the evening when swing might be less potent.
RCB Vs RR Eliminator: Predicted Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
F du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, RM Patidar, GJ Maxwell, MK Lomror, C Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Swapnil Singh, KV Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal
Rajasthan Royals
Yashasvi Jaiswal, T Kohler-Cadmore, SV Samson (C), R Parag, DC Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Avesh Khan, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal
Captain/Vice-Captain Picks: RCB Vs RR Eliminator
Virat Kohli (RCB): The “King” is back in form! In the crucial match against CSK, Kohli played a vital knock, setting the foundation for RCB’s massive score. With another 600+ run season under his belt, RCB fans will be hoping their skipper continues his hot streak.
Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR): This young left-handed batsman is a crucial player for Rajasthan. Known for his ability to rise to the occasion, Jaiswal will be looking to dominate the RCB bowlers and send them packing. Faf du Plessis is well aware of the threat Jaiswal poses and will be keen on dismissing him early to cripple the Royals’ batting order.
Faf du Plessis (RCB): RCB’s captain, Faf du Plessis, has been instrumental in their second-half resurgence. The experienced batsman has been in excellent form, especially during the powerplay overs. His dangerous fielding skills, displayed against CSK, add another dimension to his value.
Top Player Picks: RCB Vs RR Eliminator
Sanju Samson (RR): Haunted by his memories of Gujarat Titans lifting the trophy at this very ground two years ago, Sanju Samson is determined for redemption. The 29-year-old wicket-keeper batsman aims to not only silence those past demons but also lead his team to the second qualifier. This season marks a personal milestone for Samson, as he’s crossed the 500-run mark for the first time in the IPL.
Rajat Patidar (RCB): Emerging as a key player for RCB this season, the 30-year-old Rajat Patidar has been a rock at number three. His aggressive batting has troubled many bowlers, making him a consistent threat alongside Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.
Riyan Parag (RR): The young talent, Riyan Parag, understands the importance of ending the season strong, mirroring the way he started. A match-winning knock against RCB could be the springboard that propels him closer to national selection.
Dark-Horse Picks/Game Changers: RCB Vs RR Eliminator
Trent Boult (RR): The RCB top order will need to be cautious against Trent Boult. The Kiwi quick holds the record for most dismissals in the first over, and both Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli will be wary of his swing bowling threat.
Yash Dayal (RCB): Having emerged as a hero against CSK, young pacer Yash Dayal will be looking to replicate his success. However, he’ll also be looking to redeem himself after getting smashed for sixes by Rinku Singh at the same venue.
Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): This match holds extra significance for Yuzvendra Chahal. The former RCB spinner, released by the franchise this season, will be looking to prove a point against his old team by taking crucial wickets.
RCB Vs RR Eliminator: Dream 11, Team 1, Small League & H2H
Wicketkeeper: Sanju Samson
Batters: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Rovman Powell, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Riyan Parag
Bowlers: Karn Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma, Mohammed Siraj
Captain: Sanju Samson
Vice-captain: Rajat Patidar
RCB Vs RR Eliminator: Dream 11, Team 2, Grand League
Wicketkeeper: Dinesh Karthik
Batters: Virat Kohli, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Rajat Patidar, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Swapnil Singh, Riyan Parag, Cameron Green
Bowlers: Sandeep Sharma, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal
Captain: Virat Kohli
Vice-captain: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Advantage RCB? Decoding the Eliminator Matchup
Form: RCB comes into this match with the clear upper hand. Their six consecutive wins stand in stark contrast to RR’s recent slump of four losses. While Rajasthan sits at a respectable 16 points, they’ll need to address their vulnerabilities before hitting the field.
Fitness: Both teams seem to be in good shape with no major injury concerns reported. However, a crucial blow for RR is the absence of star player Jos Buttler in the playoffs.
Tactical Acumen: Faf du Plessis’ leadership has been instrumental in RCB’s resurgence. His astute bowling changes in the last match against CSK showcase his tactical prowess. Sanju Samson, on the other hand, will need to find a way to counter the pressure and guide his team out of their recent slump.