IPL 2018: Match 53, Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore - Toss Report

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and decided to bat first against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the fifty-third match of the Indian Premier League at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.

Here is what the captains said:

Ajinkya Rahane:

“I think the wicket looks very dry. Looking forward to bat here. I think it is important to start well. It is important game for both teams. We will definitely miss them. It is important for us to do well as a team. Ben Laughlin, Heinrich Klaasen and Shreyas Gopal come in.”

Virat Kohli:

“We would have bowled first as well. They don’t have Jos and Stokes. So, we wanted to put them in first. It is important to find the right balance. We have done decently well in the last three games. We are playing with same team.”

Preview:

A lot will be at stake when Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore take on each other in their final league game. A win in the contest might not ensure the team’s progress to the next stage but it will at least keep it in contention. And if the other results go in the winner’s direction, it might make it to the playoffs. On the other hand, the loser will be out of the competition.

The Royals have suffered two big setbacks even ahead of the game. Their overseas stars Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes have left for England to join the Test squad. The Royals will have their task cut out replacing the in-form Buttler and Stokes who just loves to perform in big games.

On the other hand, the Royal Challengers have no such worry. They have their full squad to choose from. They also have a  positive net run-rate which holds them in good stead for a final four finish.

Playing elevens:

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Parthiv Patel(w), Virat Kohli(c), AB de Villiers, Moeen Ali, Colin de Grandhomme, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Yuzvendra Chahal

Rajasthan Royals:

Rahul Tripathi, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Sanju Samson, Heinrich Klaasen(w), Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ish Sodhi, Jaydev Unadkat, Ben Laughlin