Virat Kohli and Trent Boult. (Source -Getty Images)
In the Eliminator of the IPL 2024, RCB will be taking on RR. The match is set to take place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 22nd of May 2024. Both teams have had a contrasting journey in the league. In their first 8 matches, RR won 7 and lost just one. On the other hand, RCB managed to win only one and lost 7 of their first 8 matches. The turnaround of both sides since then has been unbelievable, to say the least. They have had different results since then.
In the last 6 matches, RR have won just one match and lost 4 of their matches. Their most recent game against KKR ended without a result due to the interruption of rain. RCB had to win all their matches to qualify for the playoffs. And they did exactly that! The 3-time finalists beat SRH which marked their winning run. They later went on to beat GT twice, PBKS, DC, and CSK in their last few matches to enter the playoffs. Against all odds, RCB has made an insane comeback.
In May, RR did not win a game. RCB has not lost a game in May. That sums up the story between the two sides. Momentum is a big factor in cricket. Given their campaign so far, RCB has had great momentum in the last few games. RR looks to be down and out with a lack of confidence. For RR to beat RCB, they must bring their best performance. They need the players to be at their best. RCB just needs to continue to do what they have been doing in the last few matches.
Here are the top player battles to watch out for in the Eliminator of the IPL 2024 between RCB and RR:
3. Rajat Patidar vs Yuzvendra Chahal
Rajat Patidar and Yuzvendra Chahal. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Rajat Patidar has been one of the best batters in the last few matches. He has a reputation of being one of the best players of spin. Additionally, he has been highly consistent and aggressive at the same time. Not to forget, he has a great record in the playoffs. In the Eliminator of 2022, the right-handed batter scored an incredible hundred against LSG and won the game for RCB.
The best bet for RR to counter him would be Yuzvendra Chahal. The leg-spinner has what it takes to dismiss the best batters in the league. He might go for runs but can take wickets. In the last few games, Chahal has been going for a lot of runs. While it might be a concern, RR would trust him to deliver the goods. The battle between these two in the middle overs will be a fascinating one.
2. Virat Kohli vs Trent Boult
Virat Kohli and Trent Boult. (Source -Getty Images)
Virat Kohli is in the form of his life at the moment. The right-handed batter has been aggressive and consistent at the same time. The RCB opener can take the game away from the opponents in a matter of a few overs. The last time RR played RCB, he scored a hundred on a slow pitch like Jaipur. If he gets going early in the innings, RCB has a good chance of winning the match.
Trent Boult would be hoping to get Virat early. The left-arm pacer can swing the ball early on and trouble the batters. When he gets the ball to move into the right-handers, it often lands the batters in trouble. In the very first over of a match, the Kiwi pacer has claimed a lot of wickets. If he dismisses the 35-year-old early, RR will have a good chance of winning the match.
1. Sanju Samson vs Swapnil Singh
Sanju Samson and Swapnil Singh. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Sanju Samson has been one of the best batters in the middle overs phase this season. Despite not getting enough support from the other end, the RR batter has batted well. His knocks have helped RR to be in the playoffs. If not for him and Riyan Parag, RR would not have qualified. He is one of the best players of spin and can attack the bowlers in the middle overs phase.
To counter him, RCB has Swapnil Singh. His entry into the side could not have happened in a better time. With his presence in the side, RCB has won all 6 games. As a left-arm orthodox spinner, he sticks to good lengths and does not give much room for the batters. If he can dismiss Samson, the best batter of RR, RCB will have a better chance of winning the game.