The IPL 2024 Eliminator brings us an electrifying clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to qualify for IPL 2024 Qualifier 2. Set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for a spot in the IPL final. This comprehensive blog covers every aspect of the match, including team analysis, head-to-head records, player performances, fantasy cricket tips, and predictions.

Match Details

• Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
• IPL Match No.: Eliminator
• Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2024
• Toss Timing: 7:00 PM
• Time: 07:30 PM (IST)
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Broadcast and Live Streaming: Star Sports, JioCinema Website and App

Head-to-Head Records

Before their upcoming match on Wednesday, May 22, RR and RCB have faced each other in 31 matches in IPL history. Royal Challengers Bangalore won 15 games, while Rajasthan Royals won 13 times, and three matches ended in no result.

RR vs RCB Overall Head-to-Head:

• Matches: 31
• RCB Won: 15
• RR Won: 13
• No Result: 3

RR and RCB Records at Narendra Modi Stadium:

Rajasthan Royals:

• Matches Played: 15
• Won: 9
• Lost: 6
• No Result: 0

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

• Matches Played: 5
• Won: 3
• Lost: 2
• No Result: 0

RR vs RCB Head-to-Head at Narendra Modi Stadium:

• Matches Played: 2
• Rajasthan Royals Won: 1
• Royal Challengers Bangalore Won: 1
• No Result: 0

Based on these records, both teams have had some success at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, Rajasthan Royals have a slightly better overall record at this venue. When facing each other at this stadium, they’ve won and lost one match each.

Team Analysis

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):

Predicted XI for Today’s Match:

• Batting First: Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Swapnil Singh, Yash Dayal, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson.
• Bowling First: Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj, Yash Dayal.
• Impact Players Option: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, Mohammed Siraj.

Key Players to Watch:

1. Virat Kohli: The former captain and batting maestro is in sublime form, leading RCB’s charge with consistency and aggression.
2. Glenn Maxwell: A key all-rounder, Maxwell’s explosive batting and handy off-spin can turn the game around.
3. Mohammed Siraj: As a premier fast bowler, Siraj’s ability to pick up early wickets and contain runs in the death overs is crucial for RCB.

Rajasthan Royals (RR):

Predicted XI for Today’s Match:

• Batting First: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c) (wk), Riyan Parag, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, R. Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma.
• Bowling First: Sanju Samson (c) (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, R. Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger, Yuzvendra Chahal.
• Impact Players Option: Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson, Donovan Ferreira, Keshave Maharaj.

Key Players to Watch:

1. Sanju Samson: The captain and wicketkeeper-batsman is a pivotal figure in RR’s batting lineup, known for his explosive strokes and leadership.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal: A young and talented opener, Jaiswal’s ability to provide a strong start can set the tone for RR’s innings.
3. Yuzvendra Chahal: One of the top leg-spinners, Chahal’s knack for picking crucial wickets makes him a game-changer.

IPL Stats & Records at Narendra Modi Stadium

• IPL Matches Played: 35
• Matches won batting first: 15
• Matches won batting second: 19
• Average Score in the first inning: 167.76
• Lowest team score: 89/10 by GT vs DC in 2024
• Highest total scored: 233/3 by GT vs MI in 2023
• Highest score chased: 205

Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its good batting conditions, offering plenty of opportunities for batsmen to score. In the second innings, the dew factor makes it even easier for the team batting second. Out of 35 matches played here, 19 have been won by the team batting second. This season, eight matches have been played at the stadium, with five won by the team batting second. Therefore, winning the toss and choosing to bowl first is a good strategy, allowing teams to limit the opposing team’s score and have a better chance of chasing it down later.

Weather Report

The weather forecast for Ahmedabad on May 22 predicts no rainfall, but there might be dew in the second innings due to high humidity. This factor will likely influence team strategies, particularly in terms of bowling and fielding under dewy conditions.

Winner Prediction

Based on recent form and historical performance, RCB appears to have a slight edge over RR. As per Google’s win probability, there is a 55% chance that RCB will defeat RR in today’s match. RCB’s six-match winning streak and strong player performances contribute to this prediction. However, RR’s overall better record at the Narendra Modi Stadium adds an element of unpredictability to the contest.

RR Team Squads

• Sanju Samson (C & WK)
• Jos Buttler (WK)
• Shimron Hetmyer
• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Riyan Parag
• Donovan Ferreira
• Kunal Rathore
• Ravichandran Ashwin
• Kuldeep Sen
• Navdeep Saini
• Sandeep Sharma
• Trent Boult
• Yuzvendra Chahal
• Tanush Kotian
• Avesh Khan
• Rovman Powell
• Shubham Dubey
• Tom Kohler-Cadmore
• Abid Mushtaq
• Heard Burger
• Keshav Maharaj

RCB Team Squads

• Faf du Plessis (C)
• Glenn Maxwell
• Virat Kohli
• Rajat Patidar
• Anuj Rawat
• Dinesh Karthik
• Suyash Prabhudessai
• Will Jacks
• Mahipal Lomror
• Karan Sharma
• Manoj Bhandaar
• Mayank Dagar
• Vijaykumar Vyshak
• Akash Deep
• Mohammed Siraj
• Reece Topley
• Himanshu Sharma
• Rajan Kumar
• Cameron Green
• Alzarri Joseph
• Yash Dayal
• Tom Curran
• Lockie Ferguson
• Swapnil Singh
• Saurav Chauhan

Points Table IPL 2024:

Key Match Insights

RCB’s Momentum and Form

RCB has been on a winning spree, having secured six consecutive victories. This momentum will be crucial as they face RR, a team that has struggled in their recent matches. The form of key players like Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell has been instrumental in RCB’s success, and their performance will be pivotal in this high-stakes match.

RR’s Struggles and Comebacks

RR, on the other hand, has faced a downturn with four consecutive losses and a washout in their final league game. Despite this, they have shown resilience in the past, and players like Sanju Samson and Yuzvendra Chahal have the capability to turn the game around. Their ability to bounce back will be tested in this crucial Eliminator.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is known to favor batsmen, especially in the second innings when dew becomes a factor. Teams winning the toss are likely to choose to bowl first to capitalize on this advantage. The weather forecast suggests high humidity and the presence of dew, which will play a significant role in the match’s outcome.

Player Performances

Virat Kohli: With a remarkable season, Kohli has been a standout performer for RCB. His ability to score runs consistently and lead the team from the front will be crucial.

Sanju Samson: As RR’s captain, Samson’s batting prowess and leadership skills are vital. His performance can inspire the team to rise to the occasion.

Yuzvendra Chahal: The leg-spinner has been a key wicket-taker for RR. His ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs can significantly impact the match.

Glenn Maxwell: An explosive all-rounder, Maxwell’s batting and bowling make him a valuable asset for RCB. His performance in crunch situations will be critical.

Conclusion

The IPL 2024 Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and the match’s outcome will depend on key player performances and strategic decisions. With RCB riding high on momentum and RR looking to bounce back, cricket fans are in for an exciting contest.

Prediction:

Based on current form and momentum, RCB has a slight edge with a 55% chance of winning. However, RR’s capability to surprise and their overall better record at the venue cannot be overlooked. Cricket, after all, is a game of uncertainties, and anything can happen on the day.