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THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 22, 2024, 19:27:37 IST
IPL 2024 Eliminator, RCB vs RR Match Live: Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, will take on an intense challenge of character as they attempt to stop a startling decline against the reigning Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a crucial IPL Eliminator in Ahmedabad. Before a run of four losses and a washout in the final match against KKR, the Royals had appeared certain to finish first in the league. Sanju Samson's team ended up third, behind Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, RCB has remarkably battled their way back from the verge of elimination. The squad captained by Faf du Plessis went on a fantastic run and defeated the reigning champion Chennai Super Kings a few nights ago to secure a playoff berth, after losing seven of their opening eight games of the season. Even though the Rajasthan Royals are coming off of four losses and a game that was rained out, RCB has won six straight games to send a message to their rivals that they will not be taken lightly in the playoffs. RR, the 2008 IPL winners, suddenly find themselves as the underdogs, when a couple of weeks ago they were red-hot favourites. When on song, Rajasthan Royals have shown they are unbeatable, but the last four games have exposed frailties in their batting and bowling. The exit of Jos Buttler has taken a lot of firepower out of their batting and a lot will depend on Yashasvi Jaiswal (348 runs), skipper Samson (504) and Riyan Parag (531) to halt the slide.
We are all set for the Eliminator to get underway! The two umpires make their way out to the middle and they are followed by the players of Rajasthan who stride through the fireworks. Then comes a roaring applause from the crowd as Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis come out through the fireworks to open the innings for Bengaluru.
Glenn Maxwell is up for a chat. He says that it has been a pretty phenomenal comeback from the team. Tells that they got into every game thinking the worst-case scenario and played an entertaining brand of cricket. Shares that they had their meetings halfway through the tournament on how they can turn things around. Adds that the group responded well by rectifying their mistakes. Reckons that staying positive in T20s is important and once you get a couple of the middle of the bat, it all starts to click. Says that Yash Dayal has been outstanding and that he has been the backbone of their bowling attack.
Impact Substitutes
Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Swapnil Singh, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Himanshu Sharma
Rajasthan Royals - Shubham Dubey, Donovan Ferreira, Nandre Burger, Shimron Hetmyer, Tanush Kotian
Royal Challengers Bengaluru XI
Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik(w), Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson
Rajasthan Royals XI
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal
Different pitch to the Qualifier. 61 meters on one side, 68 on the other, and 73 down the ground. Very similar to the pitch yesterday. It's quite dry, extremely firm, maybe has a bit more grass cover. Last night was in contrast to what the groundsmen had informed us that there wasn't going to be dew. In my opinion it dramatically affected the game last night. It's currently 43 degrees. The water in this wicket is something the groundsmen have had to control because of the heat. Last night remember, early up, there was a little bit of seam movement and little bit of swing. Otherwise, this wicket was high scoring in the group stage.
Ian Bishop and Matthew Hayden in Pitch Report
Toss news - Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson wins toss, opts to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of IPL Eliminator clash between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad.
The skipper of Bengaluru, Faf du Plessis says that they would have bowled first as well with the dew being the reason to do so. Tells that there was assistance for the seamers early on but this surface looks on the drier side with some fake grass on top. Hopes to provide a great start with the bat. Feels that it is important to stay true to the way they want to play regardless of the stage in the competition. Ends by informing that they are going with the same team as the last game.
Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan says that they would like to bowl first given the conditions and the last game here. Adds that it is all about the mindset and how clear you are on the day and he is looking forward to the game. Mentions that looking at what cricket has taught them is that when you have bad days, you need to be mentally ready to bounce back. Informs that injuries are a part of the tournament but they do have Shimron Hetmyer back and the rest of the team remains the same.
Impact players nominated by Bengaluru - Swapnil Singh, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Himanshu Sharma.
Bengaluru (Unchanged Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (C), Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Mahipal Lomror, Yash Dayal, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson.
Impact players nominated by Rajasthan - Nandre Burger, Shubham Dubey, Donovan Ferreira, Tanush Kotian, Shimron Hetmyer.
Rajasthan (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal (In for Nandre Burger).
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TOSS - The coin toss lands in the favour of Rajasthan and they have opted to BOWL first.
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