Rajasthan Royals marches back into its Jaipur fortress for Wednesday’s clash with Lucknow Super Giants after conquering Gujarat Titans for the first time in four attempts.
Rajasthan Royals returns to Jaipur in the Indian Premier League after nearly four times as it looks to foster its grip at the top of the table with a palm over alternate- placed Lucknow Super titans (LSG) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Wednesday.
Royals march back into their fort – the men in pink have a palm chance of 68 at the venue, the alternate stylish for a side at a home venue in IPL – after conquering defending champion Gujarat elephants for the first time in four attempts.
Sanju Samson’s men would take great pride in that palm, having been 4 for 2 in three overs in its chase of elephants ’ 177. Samson and Shimron Hetmyer led the reanimation with foamy half- centuries, while the lower order handed the needful support to achieve a palm, allowed to be questionable at a point.
LSG though come into the game on the reverse of a close defeat at the hands of Punjab lords. KL Rahul’s side fought admirably trying to defend a par score but fell short thanks to Shahrukh Khan’s late flourish.
Rahul was his side’s top arranger with 74 but came under the pump for his underwhelming strike rate, having eaten up 56 balls in the process.
Rahul will be over against the left- arm pace of Trent Boult, who had sailed him for a golden duck with a searing inswinger in the sides ’ former IPL hassle.
Boult will be backed up by Purple Cap- holder Yuzvendra Chahal and the sly Ravichandran Ashwin. In the last two games, the Royals have added in the zing of Aussie leg incentive Adam Zampa to beef up their spin attack. The home side also has the option of bringing back West Indian each- rounder Jason Holder, who has delivered when called upon.
“I haven’t seen the gate yet. It’s generally a good one, with a big ground. From my experience of having played then with RCB, I suppose 170- 180 would be enough, ” said Chahal, who’s yet to play for the Royals at this colosseum.
LSG’s bowling form has oscillated from exemplary to mediocrity in this event. It has conceded 200- plus summations in alternate games but has been hard to get down in the others.
It’ll have its task cut out against a Royals ’ fur lineup which is in stirring form.
Royals ’ opening brace Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to make amends for their failures against elephants by delivering their trademark express launch, against LSG.
A battle to watch out for will be the one between two Englishmen – Mark Wood with his express pace and Buttler with his royal power hitting. Wood is LSG’s leading gate- taker this season with 11 raniums , including a five- gate haul.
The down side might contemplate bringing in the educated Quinton de Kock for Kyle Mayers, whose form seems to have phased off after a flying launch.
Royals have held the upper hand over LSG in their former meetings, having won both their games last season.
The 2019 IPL season, when the Royals last played at the ground, was a disappointing bone for them, finishing second to last. But effects have changed since also. Samson’s side finished runner- up last season and a triumphant return home could see it go four points clear at the top of the league. Know More IPL News…
