Friday, May 16, 2008

Rajasthan Royals vs Bangalore Royal Challengers - Match Preview

Royals vs Royals ! But one at the top of the table the other at the bottom ! Hehe ! Well by all cricketing sense, this should be an easy walk in the park for Shane Warne's team but the IPL has once again emphasized the old adage of it being a game of uncertainties. Dravid's team are again only playing for pride - I would be interested in seeing how Dravid himself goes against Warne here.

On a more sombre note this match takes place in Jaipur which has done remarkably well to shake off the tragic events of a couple of nights ago. It is indeed courageous and brave of all concerned to go ahead with the game especially the foreign stars.

Teams
For the Royals, Graeme Smith has had a couple of off games recently, he will be keen to get back into the groove. Dmitri did so well the other day that one wonders whether Tanvir will get a spot - yes that Tanvir who had destroyed Chennai with 6/14 not so long ago. Kaif will also be keen to make a contribution. Will Asnodkar get another game again ? Of course, Watson will be the lynchpin and the master, Shane Warne will be the commander.

For the Royal Challengers, despite all the criticism heaved at him, Dravid has been the one batsman to show some sort of form and class. Boucher is clearly looking like a fish out of water. Misbah has failed to deliver but I think a big innings is around the corner for him. Will the opening partnership continue to let Bangalore down ? Will Kohli continue to throw his wicket ? It seemed Steyn was suffering after the last game - will he be fit ? Will there be a spot for Kallis ?

Revenge Battles
Dravid v Watson
Kallis v Watson
Kohli v Patel
Boucher v Warne
Praveen v Warne
Praveen v Rawat
Zaheer v Pathan
Praveen v Watson

Nearly all the above battles were won by the Rajasthan team last time except for Praveen's duels with bat against Warne and ball with Rawat. Also Zak dismissed the dangerous Pathan early. Can he get his revenge ?

Prediction: Easy win for Rajasthan (but I hope that's not the case, for Dravid's sake)

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