Rajasthan Royals are on the path to redemption after wins over Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last two fixtures. The return of Buttler, Archer and Stokes has perhaps helped them discover their strengths in the bench and under Steve Smith, the side is finally starting to blossom, albiet a tad too late.
Royal Challengers Bangalore need a miracle to qualify for the next round unlike Rajasthan Royals. The Virat Kohli-led unit might want to test their bench strength and build camaraderie for the next season in the final couple of games. They might think of making a few changes to the side.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Pitch is expected to be a belter at the Chinnaswamy.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Parthiv Patel (9 cr)
Parthiv Patel has been a vital member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup this year. Opening the batting with Kohli, Parthiv has made 365 runs at an average of 30.4 and a strike rate of 140.4. His belligerent starts have helped RCB make a quick start to their innings'.
Batsman: AB de Villiers (10.5 cr)
While AB de Villiers has been suspect against spin and in particular, Shreyas Gopal, the South African is a fighter and a mighty good batsman. If he has any weakness, expect him to have ironed them out by now. He is a good differential captain for this match given that fantasy players might expect Gopal to pick him up.
All-Rounder: Marcus Stoinis (9 cr)
Rajasthan Royals are on the path to redemption after wins over Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last two fixtures. The return of Buttler, Archer and Stokes has perhaps helped them discover their strengths in the bench and under Steve Smith, the side is finally starting to blossom, albiet a tad too late.
Royal Challengers Bangalore need a miracle to qualify for the next round unlike Rajasthan Royals. The Virat Kohli-led unit might want to test their bench strength and build camaraderie for the next season in the final couple of games. They might think of making a few changes to the side.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Pitch is expected to be a belter at the Chinnaswamy.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Parthiv Patel (9 cr)
Parthiv Patel has been a vital member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup this year. Opening the batting with Kohli, Parthiv has made 365 runs at an average of 30.4 and a strike rate of 140.4. His belligerent starts have helped RCB make a quick start to their innings'.
Batsman: AB de Villiers (10.5 cr)
While AB de Villiers has been suspect against spin and in particular, Shreyas Gopal, the South African is a fighter and a mighty good batsman. If he has any weakness, expect him to have ironed them out by now. He is a good differential captain for this match given that fantasy players might expect Gopal to pick him up.
All-Rounder: Marcus Stoinis (9 cr)
Stoinis flies out after this match but will want to make a lasting impression before he does so. The Australian has been a crucial player for Royal Challengers Bangalore with his bowling and big hitting in the middle-order. A fine T20 player, this might be Stoinis' chance to make a name in the IPL.
Bowler: Shreyas Gopal (9 cr)
The leg-spinner has been superb this season for Rajasthan Royals. Owning the belly of the innings, Gopal is Rajasthan's most successful bowler this year with 15 wickets. In his three matches against RCB, Gopal had nine wickets including figures of 3/12 and 4/16 in the last two games.
Uncapped Player: Riyan Parag (8 cr)
Riyan Parag displayed impeccable composure down the order in the batting line-up in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders. His all-round capabilities and maturity with the bat make him a terrific pick from the uncapped category.
Captain: AB de Villiers
Vice-Captain: Virat Kohli
Predicted Playing XI:
Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane, Liam Livingstone, Sanju Samson, Steven Smith, Riyan Parag, Stuart Binny, Shreyas Gopal, Ashton Turner, Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas, Varun Aaron
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Parthiv Patel(w), Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Shivam Dube, Heinrich Klaasen, Gurkeerat Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Washington Sundar, Umesh Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal
