RR vs RCB: "On paper, KKR will be favorite but..." - Varun Aaron fires 'RCB' warning to Gautam Gambhir-mentored side
Published - 22 May 2024, 04:58 PM | Updated - 22 May 2024, 04:59 PM
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Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron issued a warning to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) despite qualifying for the final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Varun Aaron stated that the Kolkata Knight Riders wouldn't prefer the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the summit clash.
The Shreyas Iyer-led team defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by eight wickets in the Qualifier 1 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, May 21. The Knight Riders chased down the 160-run target with 38 balls to spare. Following the victory, the KKR team advanced to the final match.
On Paper KKR Will Be Favourite - Varun Aaron
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Varun Aaron acknowledged that the Kolkata Knight Riders might be considered favorites to secure the title. However, Aaron stated that the Knight Riders believe Royal Challengers Bengaluru might secure the trophy if they reach the final of the ongoing season.
“On paper, definitely they (KKR) will be favourite. But of course, the result is decided on the day. It doesn't matter if your team is the best or the worst. I don't think KKR would want RCB, because they have the momentum. If RCB reach the final, they will have the belief that the trophy is theirs; nobody can stop them,” Aaron told ESPNCricinfo.
The Royal Challengers have made a spectacular comeback in the second half of the IPL 2024. The Faf du Plessis-led team secured a berth in the playoffs despite winning only one of their first eight matches. The RCB team secured six consecutive victories to earn a place in the 'Eliminator' match.
The Royal Challengers secured their place by defeating the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their last match. RCB will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, May 22. Faf du Plessis' team aims to extend their winning streak with momentum in their favor.
The Sanju Samson-led team experienced a contrasting season compared to the Bengaluru-based team. While RR won eight out of their first nine matches, their performance drastically declined in the latter half of the season. The Jaipur-based team hasn't secured a single victory this entire month in May.
They are Still Important Matches Left - Varun Aaron
Varun Aaron emphasized that the pressure of the final is distinct. The 34-year-old suggested that the Kolkata Knight Riders wouldn't prefer Royal Challengers Bengaluru to qualify for the final, highlighting RCB's strong belief in winning the IPL.
“There are still important matches left. The pressure of the final is entirely different. KKR wouldn't want RCB to qualify for the final, because they are coming with the belief that they want to win the IPL,” Aaron further said.
RCB's batting lineup has been notably impressive during their remarkable comeback. Virat Kohli has scored 708 runs in 14 matches at an impressive strike rate of 155.60. Other batters, such as Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, and Dinesh Karthik, have also delivered strong performances in recent matches.
