IPL-8: Revenge on RR's mind as they clash with RCB on Wednesday

Rajasthan Royals players celebrate a Kings XI Punjab's wicket in Ahmedabad recently

Bangalore: Humiliated in their previous face-off this season, table toppers Rajasthan Royals will be desperate to seek revenge against a resurgent Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, in Bangalore on Wednesday.


Rajasthan Royals players celebrate a Kings XI Punjab's wicket in Ahmedabad recently. Pics/PTI

In the earlier meeting between the two teams last week, RCB mauled Rajasthan Royals by nine wickets with 23 balls to spare after restricting the Shane Watson-led side to a paltry 130.

And today, the crushing defeat would be high on the minds of Rajathan Royals players.

Rajasthan Royals are presently sitting atop the table with 11 points from eight games with five wins, two loses and one no result. RCB, on the other hand, are lying fourth with six points from as many games.

After registering five consecutive wins, Rajasthan Royals suffered two back-to-back defeats and would be keen to return to winning.

Rahane in form
For Rajasthan Royals, Ajinkya Rahane, the leading run-getter this season, and Australian Steve Smith has been in fine form with the bat and the team would looking upon the duo to post a big total on Wednesday.


RCB bank on big-hitter West Indian Chris Gayle for a good start

To add to it, skipper Watson's all-round finesse and Deepak Hooda's blazing strike-rate (208.92) make Rajasthan Royals look a menacing outfit.

On the bowling front, 43-year-old leg-spinner Pravin Tambe has impressed all and sundry and has picked up six scalps so far this season.

With the presence of Chris Morris and James Faulkner, Rajasthan Royals pace department also look in safe hands.

For RCB, it has been a mixed bag tournament so far, recording three wins and as many loses.

But after a sedate start, RCB returned to winning ways with two consecutive away wins against Rasjasthan in Ahmedabad and Delhi Daredevils at Feroz Shah Kotla.

But a dismal record at home could a major concern for RCB going into today's game.

RCB has so far failed to take the home advantage. They lost all three matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings before their home crowd.

RCB would be high on confidence after registering a comprehensive 10-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils in their last match.

With the likes of destructive Chris Gayle, Kohli, AB de Villiers up their ranks, RCB's boasts of a formidable batting line-up.