Today's 19th fierce encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 pitches the Rajasthan Royals (RR) against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Jaipur's revered Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Hovering at the eighth position, RCB's performance curve has been less than ideal. Conversely, the Royals ride high on a winning streak, securely stationed at second place.
Potential shake-up in both teams' line-ups
Speculation builds around the line-ups for the upcoming clash. RCB might rope in Mahipal Lomror, thus far playing as an impact player. Meanwhile, Anuj Rawat's exclusion appears imminent, his contribution being just 25 runs in the last three matches. RCB contemplates playing English all-rounder Will Jacks, which would necessitate sidelining Cameron Green. On the flip side, pacer Sandeep Sharma might mark a return to RR's playing eleven.
Historically, these adversaries have clashed in 30 IPL battles, with RCB clinching victory in half, RR securing 12 wins, and three games remaining indecisive. The last face-off at Sawai Mansingh Stadium saw RCB triumphing by 112 runs.
Anticipation high for another Virat Kohli spectacle
RCB boasts a dynamic batting line-up with the likes of captain Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Rajat Patidar, yet a collective excellence eludes them. Star batter Virat Kohli's 203 runs, inclusive of two half-centuries, demand complementing performances. The Sawai Mansingh pitch, resembling RCB's home ground at Chinnaswamy, could be a playground for batsmen to unleash their strokes with ease.
Conversely, Rajasthan Royals' batting pivots around captain Sanju Samson and the spirited Riyan Parag, yet unison in brilliance is a necessity.
In the bowling realm, RR's prowess is on the ascent with speedster Trent Boult, Nandre Burger, and the wily leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who collectively boast 16 wickets. RCB's bowlers, on the other hand, notably Mohammed Siraj, have been costly.
Your fantasy eleven could see the elevation of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, or Riyan Parag to captaincy, with stellar options for vice-captaincy.
Top picks for your fantasy eleven
Wicketkeeper: Sanju SamsonBatsmen: Virat Kohli (vice-captain), Faf du Plessis, Yashasvi JaiswalAll-rounders: Glenn Maxwell (captain), Riyan Parag, R. Ashwin, Cameron GreenBowlers: Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Reece Topley
