Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are all set to take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Eliminator of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 in the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Wednesday.
RCB had their chances of making it to the number two spot on the standings, but their last game against Delhi Daredevils (DD) was washed out due to rain. The Royals on the other hand, defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their last game of the league stage to cruise to the playoff stages.
Let us have a look at some of the key battles from this thrilling encounter:
1. Chris Gayle Vs Chris Morris: Gayle would be raring to repeat the same what he has been doing throughout the tournament. But he will be up against Morris who ripped the KKR batting apart to register a victory over the latter. He has bowled really well throughout the tournament and has also given the early breakthroughs whenever the Royals needed.
2. Virat Kohli Vs James Faulkner: These two have faced each other a number of times in the recent past when India toured Australia and then at the ICC World Cup 2015. Kohli has led his side from the front in the IPL 2015 and Faulkner on the other hand is a big match player. This will be a good contest to watch.
3. Ajinkya Rahane Vs Mitchell Starc: This can be termed as the battle of the geniuses, as both these players have fared really well in the IPL 2015. While Rahane has been one of the highest run-getters, Starc has been one been of the highest wicket-takers. It will be interesting to see who wins the battle on Wednesday in Pune.
4. Shane Watson Vs Yuzvendra Chahal: Watson played brilliantly in their last game against KKR. Watson scored a century and remained unbeaten on 104 scored from just 57 balls. He will be looking to repeat the same against RCB, but will have to face Chahal, who has provided Kohli the odd important wicket in crucial moments throughout the tournament.
