Four matches left and the scenario remains the same. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals are losing the momentum towards the end of the tournament, as I said in my last analysis RCB vs SRH. In the middle the teams placed on the bottom half of the table still keep themselves alive to manage places in the top four. Thus it’s again one qualified and one got eliminated.
It seems that a super Sunday, today, even with a double header, might not be able to straighten things out. Tomorrow we may get closer to our assessment when Capitals will lock horns with RCB. Any of the two will qualify for the playoffs and the other will have nothing except reading the net run rates of others. And finally, all will eye SRH vs MI.
Back to today’s match, KKR have the least hope to qualify for the playoffs having a terrible net run rate of -0.467. So they have to beat a rejuvenated Royals either by a big margin or chase down with a fair number of deliveries to spare. Last time, on losing toss, KKR failed to project a big score and a super striker of the white ball, Jadeja, hit a six to make the match home for Chennai Super Kings. In a very important game against KXIP, RR chased down 185 riding on a terrific start of Big Ben.
Last time Rajasthan met KKR with two consecutive victories in their bag, but KKR well recognized the strength and weakness of Rajasthan and they capitalized it in their favour. As KKR lost two matches on the trot, Rajasthan must try to create pressure on their batting which they are suffering from. On the other hand KKR will be confident to beat Rajasthan again exploiting their average bowling unit.
It is very unlikely to say that KKR will fire with their opening. Still Subhman Gill and Rana need to try scoring fast. It’s high time for Dinesh Karthik to go after Tewatia and Gopal. Morgan and Sunil Narine in the middle may take the charge against Royals pacers. Pat Cummins can score fast down the order.
Rajasthan have depth in their batting and it’s better organized than KKR’s. Uthappa and Stokes at the start are technically very solid and can make the balls sail over the park. Sanju Samson at No. 3 is back to divine touch. Smith and Buttler are two big names to follow them. Royals have a long batting line up with Riyan Parag and Tewatia in the lower middle order, and Archer and Gopal down the order.
Archer is one who can hurry upon KKR’s defence. With Chris Gayle in the crease Stokes was back to bowl four overs last time, taking off the spinners and it was a good decision on Smith’s part. Who can take the responsibility of premier fast bowling beside Archer is a big question for Royals.
KKR’s bowling is very successful so far in the tournament. KKR’s bowlers have bowled much in pressure and many a time they had to defend average score.
Under the light it’s easy to bat second with dew affecting the grip. But at the same time it may get slow in the second half at Dubai. Rajasthan may play the same playing XI, if they go with Varun Aron. KKR are expected to make one or two changes. We expect a good game tonight.