Two teams that have a different kind of intense history, even though they don’t go way back in time. The super giants are led by KL Rahul, while the Royals are led by the famous 'Mallu-boy' Sanju Samson. Sanju’s fans (A lot of Keralites and a few Rajasthani’s as well) believe that KL Rahul, who has been in extremely poor form, is being given an unnecessary extended run of opportunities, because of his relations with Virat Kohli and instead of him it should be their boy - Sanju Samson, to be playing for the Indian team. As a contrary to this, it’s strongly believed by many Indian fans that, Sanju Samson is an extremely talented cricketer, who has become an expert at wasting opportunities provided to him.
RR VS LSG AT JAIPUR
TEAM INFO – Rajasthan have truly dominated the IPL 2023. Out of the 5 games played, they have won 4 games. But, most importantly, that sole game that they lost was also a very close one. The credit surely going to the selectors and management, for putting up an extremely competitive and balanced side, while the players have paid back by standing up to the expectations. On the other hand, its Lucknow, who stand just behind Rajasthan on the second spot. Lucknow have won three out of their five matches and even for Lucknow, both the matches that they lost were close encounters.
Head-to-Head - Played - 2; Won by RR – 2; Won by LSG – 0
LSG possible XI – KL Rahul (c), Quinton de Kock, Deepak Hooda, Marcus Stoinis, Krunal Pandya, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Ayush Badoni, Avesh Khan, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Mark Wood, and Ravi Bishnoi.
RR possible XI – Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent
Boult, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Sharma, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Pitch & Weather Report - The pitch at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is a balanced track. The new-ball bowlers will get some movement up front and the batters will have to be patient early in their innings. Once they get set, plenty of runs will be on offer. The temperature in Jaipur is expected to hover between 24 and 38 degrees Celsius.
Match Prediction – It goes without saying that, both these sides have got an incredibly balanced side and its almost going to be anyone’s game on the day. Although, I feel that it’s going to be a slight advantage to Rajasthan for having home conditions and also for the extra confidence boost that they would have got by beating sides like Chennai and Gujarat in the last two game. Another big factor is KL Rahul’s form, who despite having a big knock against Punjab in their last game, was the biggest factor for their sides batting collapse. Hence, don’t be too shocked to see Ryan Parag performing some 'ghoomar' dance for Rajasthani fans tomorrow with a win.
Fan Comments
“Rajasthan are in incredible form and they are surely looking like a title contender this year. We love cricket and to promote cricket in the Rajasthani community, we are going to be organising the Vapariyan Cup – a competition for the Rajasthani Business Community” –
Idris Solanki, 48, Business Owner/Glamhome Properties, Indian.
“I feel that finally KL Rahul is back in form and that will be a big boost for the Lucknow team. If he plays a little aggressive in the powerplay, then LSG are a very dangerous side. Even Quinton De Kock should play this important game. Lucknow will win!” – Manjul Ahmed Khan, 55, Country Manager/Cricket Captain, Indian.
“Being a junior national cricket team captain has helped me learn a lot from this wonderful game. I hope that in time to come, there is a
road to senior national team for talented youngsters and upcoming Omani’s. IPL does its job very well, by promoting the game in this region, but for growth there needs to be even more training and opportunities, combined with lots of patience.” – Ahmed Mohd Mahmood al Balushi, 36, Employee of Eihab Travels, Omani.
“Diverting from the topic, but midst this wonderful IPL, Omani fans will have their eyes on the ACC Men’s Premier Cup 2023, which starts today for Oman with their match against Qatar. Best of luck Team Oman, BLEED RED!!” – Jeet Vrajesh Shah, 15, Student/Oman U-16 Captain, Indian.
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