An intriguing matchup waits for a place in the final of IPL 2022 between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Rajasthan Royals so close yet so far having put a substantial score on the board in testing batting conditions led by another sublime innings by Jos Butler. Top order runs crucial so a batting unit that will take lots of confidence into this winner takes all contest.
It appeared as though batting conditions eased for the second half of the game though the Royals bowlers as a unit not at their best. I’m sure with the class and experience these bowlers possess they will dig deep and be self-analytical rather than blame conditions changing.
The very best will adapt if conditions change, let’s face it over the course of a 20 over match conditions will rarely change that dramatically. I expect a much-improved bowling performance in this game and if the surface is batter friendly which the small sample size of games suggests at this magnificent Narendra Modi stadium, then the focus on the bowling units becomes more intense.
Ashwin and Chahal have been excellent as individuals but more importantly have built pressure together as a partnership which has rewarded them both in terms of wicket taking throughout the tournament. Trent Boult’s early spell to RCB’s top order may be a game deciding moment.
If there is any swing in place it won’t be for long and 2-3 overs with the new ball will be priceless to pick up early wickets to allow the spinners to get to work in the middle overs.
Remembering one of the group games where these sides played each other Boult caused Kohli real problems initially in the early overs. Kohli has since found a bit of form so that contest will be so watchable. The Royals will inevitably be disappointed that they lost to the Titans but after an excellent campaign so far will have to park that bowling performance and move on which I think they will.
RCB have found a way to win regularly enough without often bringing their A+ game. Patidar’s unbelievable innings getting them over the line. A great innings and a great story.
At 28 years of age, he may well have felt his moment in the limelight had gone but through injury and persistence he has been rewarded. He wasn’t picked in the auction but added later through an injury. He played the innings of a lifetime and looked nothing short of an international player in the side.
It was an innings that covered the low scores of the big match players around him. For all his heroics the big names with all the experience will have to perform, if RCB have a chance of winning this game.
If as is possible this may be a batter paradise, then runs in the top order are absolutely crucial. In Dinesh Karthik they have the finisher who has been outstanding and consistent in what is a tough role but a substantial score ideally on the board before he gets to work.
RCB will hope their bowling unit doesn’t get exposed if it’s a very flat surface. Harshal, Hazelwood and Hasaranga have been excellent with Siraj disappointing. Shahbaz and Maxwell have provided excellent support. This is an area where I would expect the Royals to try and exploit.
Target the 5th and 6th bowler of RCB. As that could be a match changing exchange. The contest is a mouth-watering one and bringing together 3 outstanding spinners – Ashwin, Chahal and Hasaranga who showed great nerve in the win against LSG by bowling a bit slower and being brave under pressure.
More of that wizardry may be required in this game and if there is not much spin then variation and use of it will be essential. The battle of the spinners is a great subplot to what should be fascinating contest, for me Royals start as slight favourites.
