RR vs RCB Is Going To Be A Royal Contest: Ravi Shastri

Ravi Shastri, a former Indian captain and coach, feels the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 Qualifier 2 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Friday (May 27) will be a royal affair, with both teams going all out to win.

Both RR and RCB have shown incredible skill and class in IPL 2022, putting them in a position to end their title drought.

RCB has been unable to win an IPL title since the inaugural season in 2008, while RR has been unable to repeat its success from the first season.

Graeme Smith And Ravi Shastri Think Alike

Commenting on Qualifier 2 Shastri said, “It’s been 14 years for RCB (as they’ve never owned that elusive silverware) and 13 years since Rajasthan won their last title in the inaugural season. So between the two of them, it’s been 27 years (laughs). They both want it badly and it will be a battle of Royals.  Let’s wait for that one, It’s going to be a great contest as both the teams would want to win it badly.”

Smith, who has previously played for the Rajasthan Royals, believes the pressure will be on the Sanju Samson-led side, as they enter the game on the back of a loss.

“I think the challenge will be on Rajasthan Royals after their disappointing loss against Gujarat Titans (in Qualifier 1). They must be hurt. Can they pick themselves up? RCB on the other hand is on a high,” he said.

They’ll be keen to turn it around and put back a high skill level in the game. So, I agree with Ravi that we are going to have a cracker of a game on Friday night,” added Smith.

RCB are on a roll after sneaking into the play-offs, and a nail-biting win against Lucknow in the Eliminator has raised hopes for a long-awaited triumph. They face Rajasthan, a team that has covered all areas but fell short against Gujarat in Qualifier 1.

For RCB, it’s been a rapid turnaround, but that’s not a problem as they aim to capitalise on the momentum. Samson, on the other hand, will be eager to turn his 30s and 40s into a significant knock and take the lead.

Also Read: LSG vs RCB: He Looked Very Determined- Harshal Patel On Rajat Patidar Joining RCB As Replacement Player