IPL match preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Rajasthan Royals

Bangalore have won two of their last three fixtures, perhaps sparking the momentum needed to genuinely pursue a maiden IPL title. They've reached and lost three finals, remember. Their recent win over the Punjab Kings pledged plenty, but where to from here?

Once again, Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis delivered big knocks at the top of the order. But the Challengers need from the batsmen that follow. They've hardly been tested in the wake of failures from Kohli and du Plessis.

Bowling-wise, it'll be interesting to see if leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga bowls inside the opening powerplay again. It worked well for Bangalore previously. This could really challenge a Rajasthan outfit looking to bounce back from recent defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants.

The Royals again used only five bowlers in the loss to the Super Giants. Their XI is lacking balance and it's possible a specialist batsman is exchanged for an additional spinner or seamer this time. Conditions in Bengaluru could really suit this ploy.

In their last five meetings, the Royal Challengers won three in a row before the Rajasthan Royals claimed the next two. The pattern, in some way or another, could continue in this match.

That man Shimron Hetmyer continues to be a big asset with the bat for Rajasthan. He is renowned as a finisher, but has had the opportunity to bat for extended periods this IPL season. Either way, he'll be keen to deliver for his team again.

Mohammed Siraj has been extracting plenty of swing into the right-handers during the 2023 IPL. His art and craft for lateral movement through the air could go well again here, with Bengaluru's conditions primed for Siraj's success.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore look in the strongest shape to win here. They should impress against last year's losing finalists, especially if Kohli and Siraj get adequate support around them.