Virat’s Challengers vs Rahul’s Royals

Bangalore: One is a heavyweight, with renowned players on their roster. The other team is an amalgamation of talent, youth and experienced leadership. But the thing that is common between the two is that both are playing impressive cricket in the ongoing IPL-VI.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore and the Rajasthan Royals have had a good tournament so far. They have won most of their matches and are perched near the top of the points table.

On Saturday, when they clash at the Chinnaswamy, one thus expects a close contest. Having said that, one must admit that IPL-VI has already seen quite a few intensely fought battles, including the thrilling Super Overs.

The Royal Challengers are undefeated in the four matches they have played at home this season.

For the Royals, it would be an important game as well. The Rahul Dravid-led side are on a roll after four wins in five outings. The way they thrashed the formidable Mumbai Indians, spoke volumes of their confidence and form. Except for the loss against the underdogs Pune Warriors, the Royals have won their matches comfortably, including against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

For Dravid it will be a homecoming of different sorts. The former India captain hails from Bangalore, but on Saturday his team will not enjoy the home support. But they would be eager to do everything they can as a win might just take them to the top of the table.

Interestingly, both the Royal Challengers and the Royals are on identical eight points.

With a massive 86-run win against the Mumbai Indians at home on Wednesday, the Royals, the title winners in the inaugural year of the IPL, would be quite eager to maintain their winning streak.

One thing that separates the two teams though is the talented and performing Indian players in the Royals line-up. Ajinkya Rahane, Dravid, Sreesanth and Siddharth Trivedi have all performed well.

For the Royal Challengers, West Indian Chris Gayle and South African AB de Villiers have been the main performers, with captain Virat Kohli, too, being in a fine nick.

The battle between the easy-going-destroyer Gayle and the temperamental Sreesanth, who is expected to play on Saturday, is something that would excite the fans.