In the 33rd match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be locking horns with each other at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai in the afternoon game on the double-header Saturday (October 17). This will be the 23rd encounter between the two teams, with Rajasthan Royals holding a 10-9 head-to-head advantage from their previously clashes between them.
However, in IPL 2020, RCB has had a good run in a season so far as they have win five out of the with games they have played so far. Going into the match, RCB will be looking to bounce back quickly with a win after losing their last match against KXIP. With the likes of Chris Morris and Washington Sundar going well in the bowling department, skipper, Virat Kohli along with other batsmen have also been doing well.
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On the other hand, the Royals will be looking to get back on the winning ways as in the season so far they have won just three games out of the opening eight games in the tournament. Steve Smith and his men have been on a patchy run of form and will be aiming to get back to winning ways.
As the two sides prepare for a thrilling encounter, here’s a look at three key player battles to keep an eye on.
#1. Virat Kohli vs Jofra Archer
Virat Kohli has taken it upon himself to deliver the goods for RCB. In 8 matches, Kohli has smashed 304 runs at a strike rate of 126.66. Twice, Virat has crossed the fifty mark, batting in his trademark style. RCB skipper’s ability to build his innings and go berserk in the death overs is a massive plus for RCB.
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The fiery fast pacer, Jofra Archer been doing well for RR as he has scalped 12 wickets in the season so far. Against Kohli, though, Shami will have his task cut out. The RCB skipper is one of the best players of spin in the world and will look to unsettle the mystery spinner.
#2. Steve Smith vs Yuzvendra Chahal
The RR skipper, Steve Smith has had a below-par tournament thus far by his own high standards but on his day remains a formidable opponent regardless of the format, such is his ability to fashion run-scoring opportunities. Yuzvendra Chahal has been RCB’s go-to man whenever they needed wickets and they will hope he can dismiss the RR skipper early and thus increase their chances of a victory.
#3. AB de Villiers vs Shreyas Gopal
When AB de Villiers came out all guns blazing against KKR, everyone, including skipper Virat Kohli watched in awe. At the same time, Ravi Bishnoi is amongst the top three leg-spinners in IPL 2020. So, while bowling to De Villiers will be a challenge, young Shreyas Gopal won’t shy away. But with the business end approaching, Kohli and the RCB management will be elated with De Villiers’ return to form.
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De Villiers has scored 230 runs from seven matches in IPL 2020, at the rollicking strike rate of 179.58. De Villiers has played 162 IPL games for 4625 runs at the strike rate of 152.43. What makes his duel with De Villiers interesting is that while the Dubai stadium isn’t that small and the pitches have begun to die, so stroke-making is not the same as earlier. The youngster has so far taken eight important wickets from 8 matches, at an economy of 8.83.
