Rajasthan Royals aim to recapture winning form against confident Delhi Capitals

The Rajasthan Royals will hope their return to Sharjah, the venue at which they won their first two games will bring back their winning touch. While the Royals have found it tough to exert any sort of dominance over their opposition on the larger outfields of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the Delhi Capitals have shown that they have a well-rounded team for all venues. The Capitals will be riding high on confidence after the big win against RCB in their previous game, while their opponents, the Rajasthan Royals, will be hoping to break their 3-game losing streak.

The chinks in the Rajasthan armour have been exposed ever since they have had to play on larger grounds. While Sanju Samson has failed to replicate his form from the Sharjah games, Steve Smith has looked out of touch as well with the batting only managing to conjure up a highest team score of 154 from their last 3 games - a total which inspires no confidence in their bowlers. However, the return to form of Jos Buttler will be an encouraging sign, while Mahipal Lomror has shown the mettle to bat under pressure in the middle order.

The Royals’ bowling presents a grim outlook as well, hardly any other fast bowler except for Jofra Archer looking consistently threatening across the tournament. Jaydev Unadkat was sacrificed for Ankit Rajpoot for the game against the Mumbai Indians, but the move did not make any difference. Shreyas Gopal has been impressive with the ball, showing great control as reflected by his economical spells. The Royals, however, would be concerned about the lack of impact Tom Curran has had thus far - an economy rate of nearly 11.5 an over with a return of only 3 wickets from 5 matches hardly justifying him occupying an overseas slot. 

Their opponents, the Delhi Capitals, will propose a stiff challenge. A team not suffering even when the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history is ruled out injured is a sure shot sign that they have all their bases covered. R Ashwin’s shoulder has healed nicely, and he has formed a potent spin partnership with Axar Patel, who at 4.57 boasts of the best economy rate in the Dream11 IPL 2020. Delhi also have among their ranks the purple cap holder in Kagiso Rabada with 12 wickets. He has been ably supported from the other end by his fellow Protean Anrich Nortje.

Delhi have plenty in their batting tank too. The Capitals will be heartened by different players putting their hands up and contributing to their batting performances. Marcus Stoinis in the middle order has been a revelation with his counter-attacking batting against RCB setting up a big total just when the Delhi innings was going southwards. Having two international quality batsmen such as Stoinis and Hetmyer at 5 and 6 has allowed the Indian top 4 to flourish. 

The move back to Sharjah will help the Royals’ confidence with smaller outfields meaning the difference between the teams will be reduced and the contest getting reduced to which of the two teams can clear the boundary more easily. However, Delhi will start as clear favourites with a superior bowling unit, a team which also has the experience of winning while defending a score at Sharjah. However, one individual performance can sway the game in the Royals’ favour, and Rajasthan would be hoping that the big guns in their top 3 will fire on the day.