Having returned to our winning ways following a thumping victory over Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous tie, Rajasthan Royals will look to extend the run when we host Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in the IPL on Sunday. 

A handsome nine-wicket win over KKR has not only helped the Royals regain their momentum but has also rejuvenated their quest for a place in the IPL 2023 playoff, keeping them in a good position thanks to a positive net run rate. Against RCB, the Men In Pink will have to ensure that they keep up the good work and deliver a strong performance to stay among the top four going into our final group match.

As things stand, the Royals are placed fourth in the IPL 2023 points table with the top three separated by a point each. But with the likes of LSG, RCB, KKR, and PBKS not far behind, we will have to be on our toes in the final stretch. 

Match details

IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore - May 14, 2023

Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur 

3:30 PM IST

The track at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is expected to be on the slower side with spinners playing a key role in their teams. The slow-ball bowlers have accounted for 20 wickets in four matches here in the IPL this season, while the pacers have picked 17 wickets. Traditionally it's a venue where teams have successfully chased down targets. But this time, it’s thrown up mixed results, with two of the four matches here won by teams chasing. On Sunday, however, it’s the afternoon start that could weigh in on the captain’s decision with the mercury rising to around the 40-degree Celsius mark. 

Battle to watch out

Yuzvendra Chahal vs Virat Kohli 

Two top players, in great form, leading their respective team's charge at IPL 2023. Expect a cracker of a contest when the Royals spin master Yuzvendra Chahal takes on the RCB star Virat Kohli. 

Yuzi comes into this match on the back of an inspiring show against KKR. At Eden Gardens, he not only managed to restrict the Kolkata batters from freeing their arms to score big but also went on to become the highest wicket-taker in the history of the competition, returning with figures of 4-25 on the night. Yuzi has been as impressive as ever for the Royals having accounted for 21 wickets in 12 matches so far at a healthy average of 16.90 and an economy of 7.91. For a man who spent his formative years in the IPL with RCB, Yuzi will be looking forward to challenging their best. 

Meanwhile, for Virat, this contest doesn’t bode well. The Indian cricket great has not performed well against leg spinners this season. Among batters who have scored at least 50 runs against the leggies, Virat has had the lowest strike rate (110) and highest ‘balls per boundary’ ratio (11.3) against them. But for someone who never shies away from a challenge, Virat will be keen to rewrite the stats when he lines up against his former team-mate. 

Key player

Yashasvi Jaiswal

There’s barely anyone who’s taken IPL 2023 by storm like our explosive opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 21-year-old has been in great touch this season and that’s reflected in the way he’s scored for the Royals. Yash has scored 575 runs in 12 matches so far, often setting the team on a path to huge totals. 

What’s impressed many is the manner in which he has gone about his business. Even with his opening partner, Jos Buttler, struggling for form on a few occasions, Yash has remained unfazed and has ensured that the Royals make the most of the Powerplay overs with his quickfire batting. For someone who spent enough time in the nets during the off-season to work on his game by recreating various conditions, Yashasvi Jaiswal is enjoying the fruits of his hard work. 

Team news

After a string of below-par performances, the Royals were expecting a strong response from their team. And the team delivered just that when we blanked KKR a few days back. The team management had rung in a few changes for that game. But will we see the same or a few more changes will be in store, only time can tell. But one thing’s for sure, our team management will name the best possible side to face RCB at Jaipur taking the matchups, the conditions, and form into account.

Upcoming milestones

  • Yuzvendra Chahal is two wickets away from 50 wickets for RR in IPL.
  • Sanju Samson is 27 runs away from 6000 runs in T20s.