The Eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is set to be a fascinating encounter between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The knockout clash will take place on Wednesday (May 24) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Both teams faced each other earlier in the season during the league stage at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, where RR emerged victorious by six wickets despite a remarkable century by Virat Kohli.

Strategic duel unfolds at Narendra Modi Stadium

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, yet it also presents challenges for bowlers, particularly under lights. The pitch’s characteristics, coupled with the expansive dimensions of the ground, demand that teams strike a delicate balance between aggressive batting and strategic shot placement, while also maintaining discipline in their bowling approach.

RR vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record:

• RCB and RR have engaged in 31 encounters since 2008 in the IPL.
• While RCB (15) have emerged victorious in a majority of the matches, RR (13) has also clinched wins on several occasions.
• Out of their five previous encounters, both the sides provided tough fight to each other with RCB winning 4 games while RR have emerged victorious in 1.
• This will be the encounter between both the sides at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
• Both teams have demonstrated competitive spirits in their recent clashes, making their face-offs highly anticipated among cricket enthusiasts.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Overview:

RR, once hot favorites, are facing a challenging phase with a five-game winless streak. Despite their qualification for the playoffs, they confront the arduous task not only to improve their declining performance, exacerbated by the absence of Jos Buttler but also to stem the rising momentum of resurgent RCB. This daunting scenario presents a critical juncture for the Royals, who must rally together to rediscover their winning form and counter the formidable challenge posed by RCB.

RR’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against RCB:

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
2. Tom Kohler-Cadmore
3. Sanju Samson (C & WK)
4. Riyan Parag
5. Dhruv Jurel
6. Shubham Dubey
7. Rovman Powell
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
9. Trent Boult
10. Avesh Khan
11. Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player – Heard Burger

A closure look:

• RR team is blend of explosive batting, steady all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack. Jaiswal will open the innings, looking to provide a solid start alongside Tom Kohler, who brings international experience and firepower at the top. Samson, the captain and wicketkeeper, will anchor the middle order, aiming to guide the team with his leadership and batting skills.
• Parag and Jurel will add depth to the batting lineup, while Dubey and Powell bring in their all-round capabilities to stabilize and accelerate the innings as needed. Ashwin, with his vast experience, will contribute both with the bat and ball, providing strategic advantage in crucial moments.
• The bowling attack will be spearheaded by Boult, known for his swing and accuracy, and Khan, who brings pace and aggression. Chahal, the skilled leg-spinner, will be key in the middle overs, aiming to restrict the opposition and take vital wickets.

Also READ: IPL 2024: Salary of Rajasthan Royals (RR) players; check out how much Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson earn

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Overview:

In the first half of the IPL, RCB found themselves languishing at the bottom of the table, while RR enjoyed a dominant position at the top. However, Faf du Plessis and his team orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks in tournament history to finish fourth after the league stage. They displayed sheer determination and resilience by winning six consecutive matches, propelling them from the bottom to the playoffs. In a defining moment, they outclassed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their final league stage match, securing the fourth spot and edging past CSK in the race to the playoffs.

RCB’s probable playing XI for the IPL 2024 game against RR:

1. Virat Kohli
2. Faf Du Plessis (c)
3. Rajat Patidar
4. Glenn Maxwell
5. Cameron Green
6. Mahipal Lomror
7. Dinesh Karthik (wk)
8. Swapnil Singh
9. Karan Sharma
10. Mohammed Siraj
11. Lockie Ferguson

Impact Player – Yash Dayal

A closure look:

RCB’s batting lineup includes formidable players like Kohli, Patidar and Maxwell, offering a blend of experience and firepower. Du Plessis leads the team with his astute captaincy and consistent performances. The middle order is bolstered by the inclusion of all-rounder Green and the reliable Karthik as wicketkeeper. Lomror provides additional depth to the batting order. In the bowling department, the team boasts the pace of Siraj and Ferguson, supported by the spin duo of Karn and Swapnil, forming a well-rounded bowling attack.

Also READ: IPL 2024 Playoffs Schedule: Dates, Match Timings, Teams and Venues