Rain has played spoilsport in what was to be a top-of-the-table clash that wraps up the league stage of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The Rajasthan Royals, placed second on the league table at the start of the Sunday, find themselves third after Sunrisers Hyderabad beat the Punjab Kings in Hyderabad. Their chances of reclaiming the second spot have been heavily delayed by rain. However, there was a glimmer of hope for Sanju Samson and Co. as the covers were taken off and a pitch inspection was scheduled for 10.25 pm.
Whether this match is a dead rubber or not was dependent on the result of the first match of the day between SRH and PBKS. SRH ensured that the last league match also found meaning by chasing down a target of 215 with ease. This meant that SRH and RR switched positions on the league table, and the latter will have to win today to make sure they take back the second spot.
However, RR are on a four-match losing streak and will be looking to get some momentum ahead of the playoffs. Speaking to the media, RR bowling coach Shane Bond said, “We are pretty good. Obviously, we are disappointed. It is never a great feeling when you are losing games in a row, then your mind plays back to what-ifs. What if we won against the Sunrisers? But you have to get some perspective too. When you look at the points table we are second. Even with the four losses in a row, we are second and we have qualified. It just takes one better game from us to turn things around, and I think we are the capable ones. If we play our best cricket, we are hard to beat. We are always hard to beat.”
Meanwhile, for KKR, it will be about being in form for the playoffs. The only match they haven’t been able to win this month is the one which was abandoned due to rain. KKR player Ramandeep Singh said, “This is not the time for rest. The team and I believe that momentum is very important, and we will take this as a playoff practice match and give our best.”
Tom Kohler-Cadmore will replace Jos Buttler as RR’s opener, having already made his debut vs PBKS. He will be hoping to showcase his power-hitting abilities to their fullest potential. Meanwhile, Rahmanullah Gurbaz is expected to feature for KKR as an opener due to Phil Salt’s absence in the playoffs.
Samson’s battle against the KKR spinners will be interesting to watch. He has only registered 66 runs off 82 balls against Sunil Narine and has lost his wicket thrice. But he has hammered 39 off 23 balls against Varun Chakaravarthy without losing his wicket. Meanwhile, Rovman Powell has also been dismissed six times by Narine, registering 51 runs off 73 deliveries.
All eyes will be mainly on RR, who have lost their form after a strong start to this season. In the early stages, RR was expected to finish on top, but now they must settle for the second or third position.