Royal Challengers Bangalore has big names. Rajasthan Royals has group of local resources who have been big performers. Even RCB is benefiting with local resources such as Chahal, Takawale and Parthiv Patel. Both have consistent and performing captains too. Overall, there is nothing to choose between both the teams. Having played 3 games each, RCB has won 2, while RR has won 1. But against RCB, they have an edge, unless Gayle is fit, and plays an important role.
Current Performances
RCB started with a thumping win against DD, and then MI. But they lost against KKR, a game that was for them to lose.
RR also started with a win, against Sunrisers, but then they were blown away by Kings XI first and then Chennai Super Kings.
History
RR decimated RCB too in 2008, alongwith other teams, winning both the matches, RCB paid back the same result in 2010. In other editions they settled for a win each except 2011 when RCB won the only match they could play as the other match was abandoned.
Head-to-Head RCB 6-5 RR
2008
- RR def RCB by 7 Wickets
RR def RCB by 65 runs
2009
- RCB def RR by 75 Runs
RR def RCB by 7 Wickets
2010
- RCB def RR by 10 Wickets
RCB def RR by 5 Wickets
2011
- RR Vs RCB NR
RCB def RR by 9 wickets
2012
- RR won by 59 runs, MOM: Rahane
RCB won by 46 runs, MOM: AB de Villiers
2013
- RCB won by 6 wickets, MOM: Vinay Kumar
RR won by 4 wkts, MOM: Sanju Samson
IPL Performances
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In 2008, on their way to championship RR won record 13 matches and lost just 3, while RCB finished second from the bottom winning 4 matches and Losing 10.
In 2009, RCB finished 2nd best registering 9 wins and 7 losses. South Africa did not suit RR and they managed just 5 wins, Lost 8, and 1 was abandoned.
In 2010, RCB finished 3rd winning 8 and losing 8 games, while RR again failed to enter knockout and could win only 6 and Lost 8 matches.
In 2011, RCB reached the final winning 10 and losing 6, while Royals finished 6th with 6 wins, 7 losses and an abandoned match against RCB.
In 2012, RCB was left on 5th place as CSK sneaked ahead with better NRR. RCB won 8, lost 7. RR lost 9 and won 7 to finish 7th.
In 2013, RCB failed to reach 4th semifinal with 9 wins and 7 losses, but RR finally reached the semifinal and finish third with 11 wins and 7 losses.
Overall Performance
Till their third games in IPL 2014, RCB has won 50 and lost 46, while RR has won 50 games and lost 43.
Team Comparison
RCB bowling has been exceptional in three matches. Varun Aaron appears special mention too. He is bowling with fierce pace, has the 2nd best economy of 5.00 just behind Narine’s 4.98. He is also the joint highest wicket taker with 6 wickets. Chahal, the leg spinner, has only been hit for one boundary so far in three matches. Even for that six, the ball did not cross the rope, but touch of feet on ropes converted a catch to six. Even his economy 5.08 is third best in the IPL so far, and has grabbed 4 wickets. Starc and Dinda are also creating trouble for batsmen. As a result the RCB team has got 20 wickets in 3 matches, one of the best performance so far.
In batting, in the absence of Gayle, Parthiv Patel is showing consistency and even Takawale appeared promising. Kohli is in good form. Yuvraj is still struggling. But AB de Villiers comes later to take care of remaining overs. Overall they have been successful.
For Rajasthan, bowling was always their strongest area. This tournament is no different. They have taken 15 wickets in 3 matches, restricting Sunrisers and CSK to a below par score. Against Maxwell and Miller they were as helpless as any other team has been. Rajat Bhatia and Tambe have been economical, but Faulkner is unable to retain the 2013 perform. Dhawal Kulkarni has been also good. Stuart Binny is yet to shine with ball.
It is their batting which raises concern. Sanju Samson is in good form, but Abhishek Nayar needs to be replaced so that Rahane and Samson can play consistently. Watson is ready to join the party, while Binny has already played a match winning knock. Their problem lies in the consistency. None of them has been regularly consistent and that is why despite bowling well they are losing.
Verdict
RCBs bowlers have been successful, but despite having biggest names in the league of T20 specialist, only Kohli appears to be good for now. Even AB de Villiers has failed to play freely so far. A batsman of his calibre may be just an innings away from destroying any bowling attack. Still on current performance on better consistency of batting, RR hold edge.
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