Gujarat Titans qualified for the IPL 2022 final after defeating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in the Qualifier 1 match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday (May 24). They are now awaiting their opponent in the championship match, which will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 29). The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore match will determine the Gujarat Titans' final opponent. The preview of the qualifier 2 match of the 2022 IPL is discussed in this article.
IPL 2022 Qualifier 2 Preview: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Both sides have met each other twice in this season’s Indian Premier League, with each winning once. So, the qualifier 2 match will be their third encounter in the ongoing season. Since this will be a do-or-die contest and the winner will secure a place in the IPL 2022 final, therefore, no team should be considered as favourite. Whoever plays with full potential and executes their game plan properly in order to overcome their opponent is likely to advance to the championship match.
Rajasthan Royals
The individual brilliance of a couple of players has carried Rajasthan Royals this far in the competition. One of them is English power-hitter Jos Buttler. His contribution to the bat has been unbelievable. The charismatic batter has made 718 runs with a record of 3 hundred. Buttler has maintained a 51.28 average and is striking the ball at a 148.34 rate, which clearly indicates his contribution to the team. Along with him, skipper Sanju Samson has continued his strong batting performance this season.
Read IPL 2022: The Qualified Teams in the Playoffs and Fixtures
Besides, leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been outstanding with the ball, giving Rajasthan the necessary breakthroughs when needed. He is the highest wicket-taker in the IPL 2022 season with 26 wickets in 15 innings.
These three players have to be in their best shape against Bangalore. However, other players like Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Ashwin, Jaiswal, and Hetmyer also have to raise their performance levels in order to take Rajasthan to the final.
Predicted Playing XI
Top-Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (captain);
Middle-Order: Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult;
Lower-Order: Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Obed McCoy.
Read IPL 2022: Who will make the playoffs from Delhi and Bangalore?
Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Bangalore side’s biggest strength is their bowling. Sri Lankan recruits Hasaranga de Silva, Harshal Patel, and Josh Hazlewood have all been in great form with the ball. They have the ability to pick up wickets even though the economy is quite high. So, these players will be crucial for Bangalore against Rajasthan.
However, none of their batters have been consistent this season. Skipper Faf du Plessis is the highest run-scorer for them with 443, while Virat Kohli is the second-highest scorer with 334. Heading into the qualifier-2 match, Bangalore can take some inspiration from Rajat Patidar’s whirlwind 112 off 54 ball knocks against Lucknow SuperGiants, which literally sealed the match for them. He will be crucial again in the next match for the Challengers, along with Glenn Maxwell, Dinesh Karthik, and Harshal Patel.
Predicted Playing XI
Top-Order: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Rajat Patidar;
Middle-Order: Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel;
Lower-Order: Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj.
Read IPL 2022: Favourites to Reach the Playoffs
Match Time (RR vs RCB)
The qualifier-2 match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday (May 27). The game will start at 8 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Rajasthan Royals: Head-to-Head Record
Both sides have met each other 27 times. Bangalore have a slight advantage in head-to-head duels, having won 13 times while Rajasthan have won 11 times.
Verdict
The Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore match is expected to be fiercely contested. Therefore, picking a winner is extremely difficult. However, given both teams' overall performances in the IPL 2022 season, Rajasthan should be confident in their ability to defeat Bangalore and go to the IPL 2022 final.