Riding high on success, Rajasthan Royals are set to take on confident Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. With this being the final game in the city for the season, the match is hugely crucial, as both sides would eye victory. What makes it even more compelling is that both teams arrive unbeaten, carrying momentum and confidence. Rajasthan Royals have found a new spark under the leadership of Riyan Parag, who is enjoying a dream start in his first full season as captain. The team has shown remarkable improvement in Guwahati. Previously they had struggled at this venue. However, this season, they have turned it into a stronghold, winning both their matches here so far. Meanwhile, RCB, who are preparing to move away for a stretch of away games, will be determined to maintain their winning rhythm.

For RR, a major factor behind their success has been the consistency at the top of the batting order. Yashasvi Jaiswal, along with young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, has provided explosive starts, forming solid partnerships that have served as the backbone of big totals. Their aggressive starts at the top have allowed other players, including Dhruv Jurel, to play with freedom and confidence. In their bowling, Rajasthan look a well-rounded unit. The pace duo of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger has been immensely effective with the new ball. Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande have added depth to the attack, while Ravi Bishnoi has been a reliable performer in the spin department.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also made a strong statement at the start of their campaign, winning both their home games convincingly. As they head into their first away match, their debut appearance in Guwahati, RCB will be eager to continue their winning run. RCB’s success so far has been built on the performances of their top order. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Devdutt Padikkal have shouldered the bulk of the scoring responsibility. Padikkal, in particular, has been in outstanding form, notching up consecutive half-centuries. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 34

RR won - 14

RCB won - 17

No result - 3

RR possible XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Ravi Bishnoi

RCB possible XII: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma