Rajasthan Royals aim for a triple

On-a-roll Rajasthan Royals will look to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore today for a third consecutive win in IPL-15; it will be their first ‘hat-trick’ of victories since the 2018 edition

Rajasthan Royals have had a dream start to their Indian Premier League-15 campaign, winning both their matches and deservedly occupying the top spot on the points table. Captain Sanju Samson would look to bag his third win on the trot when they clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium tonight.

If Samson & Co manage to get the desired result, it will be for the first time since 2018 that the inaugural champions have notched up three consecutive wins.  

Jos Buttler. Pic/PTI

RR seem to be the team to beat. Their batters are in top form with opener Jos Buttler smashing the first century of this IPL against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Saturday. In the first match v Sunrisers Hyderabad, RR posted 210-6 and then restricted their opponents to 149-7. RR scored 193-8 to win by 23 runs against MI.  

‘Invaluable’ experience

The bowling too has covered all bases. Buttler recognises the “invaluable” experience they have in the form of Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. “Their experience is really invaluable. Having those guys is fantastic, we have lots of experience to draw from in pressure situations. Against Mumbai, the game was in the balance and we needed wickets. Ashwin came up with a fantastic wicket and then Yuzi [Chahal] got two in two, which really swung the momentum our way. “Those guys have been top performers for a long time and know how to get the job done,” said Buttler in the pre-match virtual press conference on Monday.

“Hope so,” replied Buttler when asked about scoring a ton against RCB. “Every game you want to do that…but I just want to contribute [to the team’s cause]. It [the century] is good for my confidence. I spent some time in the middle, and that confidence I can carry for the rest of the season,” said the Englishman.   

Maxwell joins RCB

RCB have had a mixed bag with a win and a loss so far. Although newly-married Glenn Maxwell has joined the team, the explosive Australian batter is not expected to play today.   “RCB are a really strong team. In fact, every team in the IPL are really strong. They are all good teams. RCB have got some top performers, so we will do our homework and try to be as best prepared as we can for any opposition. We have got some confidence and we look to take it in this game,” said Buttler.

The dew factor

Both teams will play their first match at the Wankhede today. The template at the D Road, Churchgate venue is to put the opposition in to bat; the reason being dew plays havoc for the team bowling last. “Dew is something we can’t control, but we can practise with the wet ball and get used to it. It’s the same for fielding—soak the ball in some water—and practise your catching. We need to adapt as quickly as possible,” said Buttler. 

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