The action continues in the Indian Premier League on Monday with Royal Challengers Bangalore set to take on Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. The two sides are five places apart on the points table, though only one win separates the points they have scored.
Royal Challengers Bangalore scored a much-needed win in their last match, against Kings XI Punjab. Set a commanding 164-run target, their chase was powered by Chris Gayle who started off slowly by his standards before unleashing himself on his way to an unbeaten 87.
At the other end was AB de Villiers who made a crucial contribution. Both these batsmen will be the key for Bangalore should they look to reverse their 59-run defeat against Rajasthan Royals a week ago. Their bowlers had a torrid time in that match but have done well since, with Zaheer Khan and Andrew McDonald being amongst the wickets in the last match.
Muttiah Muralitharan has been out of action but will be interesting to note if Daniel Vettori, the captain, decides to play him on Monday.
Rajasthan Royals have been doing well this season, though they lost a close last-ball finish against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
Their batsmen put up a reasonable total of 146 on the board, though they could have scored more. Rahul Dravid, the captain, will be seeking another tall total from his batsmen just as they did last time against Bangalore, scoring 195 thanks to Ajinkya Rahane’s maiden century.
Kevon Cooper, who did not play that match, will be in the team after recovering from his injury and also picking up two wickets in his comeback match. Brad Hodge is expected to move up the order after getting insufficient opportunities to do justice to his talent.
The match will be played in Jaipur, the home ground for Rajasthan Royals, starting at 8.00pm local time.