Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 Eliminator will witness a thrilling clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The match, scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, promises an intense battle between two formidable teams.In their previous encounter, RR faced a setback when their match against Kolkata Knight Riders was abandoned due to inclement weather. Meanwhile, RCB secured a convincing 27-run victory over Chennai Super Kings.Head-to-Head:In the 31 matches played between these two teams, RCB's batters have accumulated the most fantasy points, while RR's bowlers have earned the most points. In their previous meeting this season, RR's Jos Buttler was named Man of the Match with 151 fantasy points, while RCB's Virat Kohli was the top performer with 165 fantasy points.Top Players to Watch:RCB:* Virat Kohli: The prolific right-handed batter has been in exceptional form, scoring 708 runs in 14 matches with an average of 64.4.* Faf du Plessis: Another top-order batter, du Plessis has contributed 421 runs in 14 matches, averaging 30.1 per match.* Cameron Green: The versatile all-rounder has scored 228 runs and taken nine wickets in 12 matches.RR:* Riyan Parag: The right-handed batter has been a key contributor, amassing 531 runs in 14 matches, averaging 59 runs per game.* Nandre Burger: The left-arm medium-fast bowler has taken seven wickets in six matches, averaging 20.7 per match.* Sandeep Sharma: The right-arm medium pacer has claimed 10 wickets in nine matches, averaging 23.8.As RR and RCB prepare for this crucial eliminator, the performances of these key players will be crucial in determining which team advances further in the tournament.

Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals face a daunting challenge as they prepare to face the in-form Royal Challengers Bangalore in a do-or-die IPL Eliminator on May 22 in Ahmedabad. The Royals, once considered favorites, have suffered a string of four defeats and a washout in their last game, leaving them in third place behind Sunrisers Hyderabad.On the other hand, RCB has staged a remarkable comeback after losing seven of their first eight games. Led by Faf du Plessis, the team has notched up six consecutive wins, including a victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, to secure a playoffs berth.Rajasthan Royals' recent struggles have exposed frailties in their batting and bowling. The absence of Jos Buttler has depleted their firepower, and the team will rely heavily on Yashasvi Jaiswal, skipper Samson, and Riyan Parag to halt the slide.RCB, on the other hand, boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Virat Kohli, the tournament's leading run-getter. Kohli and du Plessis have formed a dominant partnership at the top, while Rajat Patidar has provided solidity in the middle order.The venue for the Eliminator, the Narendra Modi Stadium, has not been a batting paradise this season. Only twice in 12 innings has the 200-run mark been breached, indicating that teams with disciplined bowling attacks and strong batting lineups are likely to succeed.Rajasthan Royals' strong bowling lineup, featuring Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult, could prove crucial. However, RCB's left-arm seamer Yash Dayal has been in impressive form, turning around his fortunes in the last match to deny CSK a win.The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams with contrasting fortunes. Rajasthan Royals will be desperate to arrest their slide and keep their playoff hopes alive, while Royal Challengers Bangalore will be aiming to continue their winning streak and reach the Qualifier 2.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season's final match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Guwahati was marred by rain, leading to a delayed toss. RR, needing a victory to secure a top-two finish and two chances to reach the final, faced a setback due to the weather conditions.SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) had earlier defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the first game on Sunday, provisionally occupying the second spot in the points table. SRH holds 17 points from 14 matches, while RR has 16 points from 13 outings. In the event of a washout, both RR and KKR would receive a point each.While KKR has already secured the top spot, a draw would not suffice for RR's aspirations of finishing second. RR has also endured a four-game losing streak. SRH's 17 points and a net run rate (NRR) of +0.41 put them ahead of RR's 16 points and +0.27 NRR. A washout would result in RR settling for the third spot.In such a scenario, RR would face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Eliminator on Wednesday, while KKR and SRH would battle for a place in the final in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. In the reverse fixture between RR and KKR, RR emerged victorious by two wickets. The two teams have faced each other 29 times in the IPL, with each team winning 14 matches and one game being abandoned.The top two teams in the points table will compete in Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final in Chennai on Sunday. The teams placed third and fourth will play the Eliminator, with the winner facing the losing team of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2 in Chennai on Friday. The final will take place at Chepauk on Sunday.

KKR vs RR Live Score: Royals' Batters Face Pressure to Revive Playoff HopesRajasthan Royals find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to face Kolkata Knight Riders in a crucial match that could determine their playoff fate. After securing a playoff berth with 16 points, the Royals have stumbled in recent matches, losing four consecutive games.The Royals' batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to cross the 150-run mark in their last two outings. The absence of star opener Jos Buttler, who has returned home for national duty, has left a significant void in the batting lineup.Yashasvi Jaiswal, skipper Sanju Samson, and local hero Riyan Parag will need to step up and shoulder the responsibility of leading the Royals' batting charge. Jaiswal, in particular, has been in impressive form this season, scoring 250 runs in 13 matches. Samson, the team's captain, has also shown glimpses of his brilliance, but he will need to find consistency.Parag, known for his aggressive batting style, could be a key factor in the Royals' success. His ability to hit big shots and accelerate the scoring rate could prove invaluable in the middle overs.The Royals' bowling attack, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult, has been one of the most effective in the tournament. Chahal, the leg-spinner, has taken 27 wickets in 13 matches, while Boult, the left-arm pacer, has picked up 18 wickets.However, the Royals will need their bowlers to be at their best against a formidable Kolkata Knight Riders batting lineup that includes Andre Russell, Nitish Rana, and Shreyas Iyer.The match between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders is a must-win for the Royals if they want to finish in the top two and secure two chances to reach the final. The Royals will need to find their batting form and execute their plans flawlessly to overcome the challenge posed by the Knight Riders.

Riyan Parag, the 22-year-old U-19 World Cup winner, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the ongoing IPL season. After spending several seasons as a middle-order firefighter, Parag has finally found his niche at No.4 for the Rajasthan Royals.Parag's promotion up the order has unlocked his true potential. He has amassed 531 runs in 12 innings at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 152.58, significantly higher than his previous career figures. His tally of 31 sixes is not only more than his last five seasons combined but also the highest for a No.4 batter this season.Parag's success is not a coincidence. He has worked tirelessly to improve his game, studying footage and seeking guidance from his father and the Rajasthan Royals' high-performance director. He has also benefited from a seamless transition from domestic cricket, where he excelled as the highest scorer and most prolific six-hitter in the Deodhar Trophy and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.Parag's maturity and determination have been evident in his performances this IPL. He has played several match-winning innings, including an unbeaten 84 against Delhi Capitals and a crucial 34 against Kolkata Knight Riders. His ability to pace chases and finish games has made him a valuable asset for the Royals.Despite missing out on a T20 World Cup call-up, Parag remains focused on his goals. He is determined to continue improving and helping his team win matches. With his talent and dedication, Parag has the potential to become one of the most exciting young players in Indian cricket.

Sanju Samson's exceptional performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) have propelled him into the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The 29-year-old has secured the position of the second wicketkeeper-batter, behind Rishabh Pant, surpassing formidable contenders like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan.Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that this is the opportune moment for Samson to make a significant impact on the international stage. He expects the wicketkeeper-batter to not only participate but also lead India to victories.Gambhir emphasizes that Samson has accumulated ample experience and should now harness his full potential to deliver memorable performances. "Now that you've gotten picked in the World Cup team, you have that opportunity-the kind that you need to make sure you start winning games for India if you get the chance," Gambhir told SportsKeeda.He adds, "You have that experience of playing international cricket. You are not a newbie that you will wait any longer. You have tasted international cricket and you've done well in the IPL, and now you have the chance to play the World Cup. So, hopefully, Sanju shows the world what he is capable of at this stage."Gambhir also believes that Samson's captaincy experience with the Rajasthan Royals will positively influence his batting at the T20 World Cup. "Just the quality of a player. I don't need to see much. Five minutes are enough to figure out what kind of a player he is," Gambhir said."Mentally, you always grow, and skill-wise as well. Otherwise, if you get stagnant, you won't be able to survive for too long. The good thing is be it fitness, power-hitting, keeping or captaincy... he has not put a foot wrong. Through captaincy, you start accessing, judging better, reading better. That is when you also become a better batter. I hope Samson's captaincy reflects on his batting at the T20 World Cup if he gets a chance."Samson's inclusion in the Indian squad is a testament to his consistent performances in the IPL. He has been a key player for the Rajasthan Royals, leading them to the finals in the 2022 season. His ability to score runs quickly and his impressive wicketkeeping skills make him a valuable asset to the Indian team.

Kolkata Knight Riders Clinch Top Spot in IPL 2024, Securing Playoff BerthKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have emerged as the undisputed leaders of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) after securing the top position on the points table. This marks a historic achievement for the franchise, as it is the first time they have achieved this feat in the league's history.KKR's dominance throughout the league phase has been evident in their impressive record of nine wins and three losses in 13 matches. Their consistent performances have earned them 19 points, establishing them as the team to beat in the competition.The confirmation of KKR's top-of-the-table finish came following Punjab Kings' victory over Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday. This result sealed KKR's fate as the leaders after the league stage, as Rajasthan Royals, the only team capable of challenging them, suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.Rajasthan Royals' hopes of securing a top-two finish have taken a severe hit with this loss. However, they have already confirmed their playoff spot and will now focus on securing a favorable position in the playoffs.KKR's final league match against Rajasthan Royals on May 19 in Guwahati will determine the final standings and playoff matchups. This match holds significant importance as it will determine the seeding of the teams in the playoffs.As the league approaches its culmination, KKR and Rajasthan Royals stand as the only two teams to have secured their playoff berths. With the top two teams enjoying the luxury of two chances to qualify for the final on May 26 in Chennai, the battle for supremacy in the IPL playoffs promises to be fiercely contested.

Rajasthan Royals' playoff hopes took a significant hit as they suffered a fifth consecutive defeat in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, this time at the hands of Punjab Kings. Despite the loss, the Royals remain in contention for a playoff berth with 16 points, but their inferior net run rate could prove costly.Punjab Kings restricted Rajasthan Royals to a modest 144 for nine on a challenging pitch. Riyan Parag top-scored for the Royals with 48 off 34 balls, while Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, Nathan Ellis, and Rahul Chahar shared the wickets for Punjab.In response, Punjab Kings skipper Curran led from the front with an unbeaten 63 off 41 balls, guiding his team to a five-wicket victory with seven balls to spare. Curran's innings was crucial as Punjab chased down the target with relative ease.After the match, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson expressed his disappointment and acknowledged the need for introspection. "We have to sit back and accept that we are going through failures, have lost four games on the trot. Got to find out what's not working out for us as a team. Somebody needs to step up, we have so many match-winners in the team. This is the time we need to show character," Samson said.Samson also highlighted the team's struggles on challenging pitches, where high scores have become the norm. "We are not used to playing on such wickets this season where 200-plus totals are getting scored easily. We had to play smart cricket and build those partnerships today," he added.With just one match remaining in the league stage, Rajasthan Royals face an uphill task to finish in the top two. Their net run rate is significantly lower than that of Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are also in contention for a playoff spot. The Royals will need to win their final match and hope for other results to go their way in order to secure a top-two finish.

In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Punjab Kings emerged victorious over Rajasthan Royals by five wickets, thanks to a stellar performance from captain Sam Curran.Curran led the charge with a well-paced half-century, scoring 63 not out off 41 deliveries. His innings included five boundaries and three sixes, providing the much-needed stability to the Punjab Kings' chase. He found able support from Jitesh Sharma, who contributed 22 runs off 20 balls. The duo shared a crucial 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket, guiding their team to victory in 18.5 overs.Despite a modest target of 145, the Punjab Kings faced a challenge on a sluggish track. However, Curran's composed batting and crucial wickets proved decisive. He claimed two wickets for 24 runs, including the key scalp of Riyan Parag, who had played a valiant knock of 48 for Rajasthan Royals.Earlier, Rajasthan Royals struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 144 for nine. Riyan Parag and R Ashwin provided some resistance with a 50-run partnership, but the Punjab Kings' bowlers maintained a tight line and length, making it difficult for the Royals' batters to score freely.Avesh Khan was the pick of the Punjab Kings' bowlers, claiming two wickets for 28 runs. Nathan Ellis and Rahul Chahar also chipped in with two wickets each.Despite their fourth consecutive defeat, Rajasthan Royals remain in second place on the table with 16 points, securing a spot in the playoffs. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, move up to fifth place with their fifth win of the season.