 The winners of the inaugural season, Rajasthan Royals, play Royal Challengers
Bangalore in the Indian Premier League on Monday. The two teams are separated
by quite some margin on the points table, as was the case in their earlier meeting
in the season.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have three wins from six matches so far. They scored
a much-needed win in their last match to beat Kings XI Punjab by five wickets
in the final over. Chris Gayle has played the anchor role in the last
two matches, and his unbeaten 87 was ample proof of how he decided to pace his
innings in a tricky chase. AB de Villiers supported him at the other end and
the duo will be crucial for success against Rajasthan Royals, a side against
whom their batting collapsed en route to a 59-run defeat a week ago. When these
two sides last met, Bangalore bowlers had a troubled time but Zaheer Khan
and Andrew McDonald have done well off late while Muttiah Muralitharan has been
benched. Daniel Vettori, the captain, will have some interesting decisions to
make regarding team selections.
Click for Live Score Card of Jaipur Rajasthan Royals Vs Bangalore Royal Challengers
Rajasthan Royals have so far been impressive in the tournament but succumbed
to a last-ball defeat against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday. After setting
a decent total of 146, powered by Owais Shah's 52, the bowlers found the going
tough initially. Rahul Dravid, the captain, knows his batsmen will have to shoulder
bulk of the responsibility as the bowling is the weaker link. Ajinkya Rahane
scored his maiden IPL century when Royals met Royal Challengers Bangalore
last week. With the ball, the fit-again Kevon Cooper will be a threat having
picked up two wickets in his comeback match while Brad Hogg continues
to remain economical. A shuffle in the batting order could also see Brad Hodge
move up the order.
Jaipur will be the venue for Monday's match, the home ground for Rajasthan Royals.
|
