IPL 2019: Three things to look out for from RR vs RCB

Three matches, three losses – both Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore are still winless. They are the only two teams which are yet to get a move on the points table. Tonight at least one team will end up on the winning side (most probably). The ‘Royal Rumble’ will take place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Following three will be the interesting prospects to look out for.

Halting the losing spree –

Rajasthan Royals were in strong contention of winning all three matches until they squandered the advantage. A batting collapse against Kings XI Punjab, poor bowling against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Dhoni masterclass in Chennai kept RR away from the win. They are now back to their home ground to face RCB.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have been defeated convincingly twice in three matches. They were flattened by Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In between, MI defeated them by six runs. For a team that has Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, these are very disappointing results. They must move upwards from here.

Time for changes –

The cries for personnel changes get louder after every defeat. Both RR and RCB will find them hard to ignore after three successive losses. RCB have backed their overseas all-rounders, Colin de Grandhomme and Moeen Ali, but they have not contributed as expected. RR have struggled to get some quiet overs from Jaydev Unadkat and will need to rethink about their bowling options.

The Australian influx –

The Australian cricket team was busy with an ODI series in UAE against Pakistan. The series is now over, and the IPL teams will now be expecting their contracted players to arrive. RCB will eagerly await Nathan Coulter-Nile’s addition into their fast bowling stocks. Marcus Stoinis should also be available. RR shall look out for Ashton Turner who will provide the finishing firepower.