IPL 2021 Match 16: Upbeat Bangalore take on underwhelming Rajasthan

Tags: Indian T20 League 2021, Bangalore XI vs Rajasthan XI, 16th Match at Mumbai, Apr 22, 2021, Bangalore XI, Rajasthan XI

Published on: Apr 22, 2021

Scorecard | Commentary | Graphs

A consistent Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on a troubled Rajasthan Royals in the 16th match of IPL 2021 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Approaching the second week of the tournament, RCB remain the only team who are undefeated as yet. Beginning IPL 2021 with a win over Mumbai Indians (MI), RCB have confidently overcome Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). They would undoubtedly be the favourites going into the game against RR.

Rajasthan, yet again, have looked a below-par outfit. These are still early days in the tournament, but the signs are not good. They went down to Punjab Kings (PBKS) are coming very close to pulling off an exceptional win. They did overcome the Delhi Capitals (DC) challenge courtesy some got big-hitting at the death. However, the manner in which they collapsed against spin versus Chennai Super Kings (CSK) should definitely worry them.

RCB have got most of their bases covered as of now. AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell have been the two standout performers for the franchise with the bat so far. While de Villiers has been spectacular on expected lines, Maxwell has been the pleasant surprise package for RCB. He has made significant contributions in all three games and his consistency augurs well for the franchise. Virat Kohli has got starts but hasn’t converted those. So that will be something the man himself will want to set straight. Devdutt Padikkal too would be keen to get back among the runs.

In the bowling, their biggest plus was that leggie Yuzvendra Chahal got back among the wickets against KKR after a lean run. Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel and Mohammad Siraj have been impressive as it is while Shahbaz Ahmed’s performance against SRH has opened up more options for the team.

RR should be disappointed with their effort against CSK. Their bowlers allowed the batting side to post a challenging total despite not a single batsman getting a big score. Left-arm seamer Chetan Sakariya has been the most impressive bowler on display for RR so far. Jaydev Unadkat has had one outstanding game while Mustafizur Rahman has been decent. The franchise would expect more out of the bowlers.

In the batting department, Jos Buttler was the only one to stand up to the challenge against CSK. They will need to do much better against RCB. Skipper Sanju Samson is again falling into a trap of petering away after a great start. Manan Vohra, Shivam Dube and Riyan Parag have been disappointing while David Miller and Chris Morris have played one match-winning innings each.

Predicted XIs

RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers (WK), Glenn Maxwell, Dan Christian, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mohammad Siraj

RR: Jos Buttler, Manan Vohra, Sanju Samson (C & WK), Shivam Dube, David Miller, Riyan Parag, Chris Morris, Rahul Tewatia, Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman

--Renin Wilben Albert

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