With close results becoming a norm in the IPL this year, the competition is heating up as the teams look to battle it out for playoffs spots. With two spots already gone, Rajasthan Royals will be eager to push forward their case when they clash with the miserable Deccan Chargers on Friday.

As the points table stands right now, Rajasthan Royals have 14 points and are still in with a chance should they manage to win both their remaining matches. A defeat in either will pull the curtain on their campaign. Deccan Chargers, on the other hand, have been out of the race since a while having won only two matches this season.

Rajasthan Royals scored a much-needed win in their last match, beating Pune Warriors by 45 runs. Ajinkya Rahane will yet again be the mainstay of their batting being the leading run scorer for the Royals this season while Shane Watson has also had a significant impact ever since he arrived from international duty. Captain Rahul Dravid has suffered a bad patch off late but will be banking on his players to deliver the goods. Ajit Chandila was a surprise package in the last match, picking a hat-trick on his way to 4 for 13. Watson and Johan Botha also picked up crucial wickets.

Deccan Chargers have had no answers to their own miserable run when they have lost matches from a seemingly comfortable position. Their last match, against Kings XI Punjab, was a similar story as they lost off the final ball of the match, conceding 45 runs from the last 20 balls. The batting throughout the season has been the story of Shikhar Dhawan and Cameron White's brilliance while the bowlers have endured miserable periods, going for runs. Dale Steyn will spearhead the attack while TP Sudhindra, suspended for alleged involvement in spot-fixing, will have to be replaced.

The match will be played in Hyderabad.

Tag :- Dale Steyn   Deccan Chargers   Johan Botha   Rahul Dravid   Rajasthan Royals   Shane Watson   Shikhar Dhawan