6 things to look forward to in the Eliminator

6 things to look forward to in the Eliminator: It will be the first knockout game of the IPL 8 when Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore square off against each other on Wednesday in Pune. While Rajasthan won the inaugural edition of the league in 2008, Bangalore is yet to have their hands on the trophy. The road to the playoffs has been a mixed one for both the teams. While Rajasthan looked set to finish in the top 2 at the start, Bangalore got their act together in the latter stages of the tournament. Slip in form of key players and some washouts have meant both find themselves in this crucial do or die encounter. The teams know very well that it is a point of no return and the team which comes second in the contest will crash out of the IPL. All of this presents a mouth watering prospect for the viewers. Let us have a look at the 6 key things to look forward to in the battle of the Royal giants: 1. Chris Morris up against Gayle and Kohli: Chris Morris RR. (Photo Source: BCCI) The lanky Proteas pacer has been a match winner for the Rajasthan side. Bowling with lively pace and swing Morris was instrumental in their previous win against the Knight Riders. With Gayle almost sure to attack him, it could be a chance for Royals to get him caught in the deep. Drifting down the pads against Virat Kohli won’t serve him any goods if at all Morris attempts that. Even though it would only be a 4 over spell, it might well decide the fate of the game. 2. Yuzvendra Chahal v/s Shane Watson: Yuzvendra Chahal RCB.(Photo Source: BCCI) The Royals opener is fresh of a scintillating century in the previous match helping his side reach the playoffs. Known to get under the skin of the spinners Watson will certainly attack this young leggie. Virat, known for his aggressive captaincy might encourage the youngster to bowl in the first 6 over’s if the Royals get off to flying start. It could go either way but there won’t be any lack of excitement for the viewers. Let us also remember that the Chahal got the better of Watto in the previous encounter and the Australian would be looking for some sweet revenge this time around. 3. The Pune pitch: Pune Stadium. (Photo Source: BCCI) The Royals have the advantage of having played in Pune earlier this season. They beat the Kings XI courtesy an all round performance from James Faulkner. The last time Royal Challengers played at the venue was more than two years ago. Having said this, the large crowd and a generally good batting surface would mean the RCB will feel more at home than the Royals. Unlike several other venues in India the size of the ground would mean an even opportunity for the bowlers as well. 4. Rahane v/s Kohli: Ajinkya Rahane RR (Photo Source: BCCI) Ajinkya Rahane has scored 498 runs this season with four half centuries in 12 innings. Virat Kohli has made 481 with 3 fifties in 14 innings. Just like the overall record of these two teams, these numbers are neck to neck, and go on to highlight the importance of the two leading Indian batsmen in their respective line ups. Both will be expected to play match winning knocks and take their teams’ home. Good friends off the field, there will be no love lost when both of them enter the park. 5. The Indian Players: Virat Kohli RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) It does not take a rocket scientist to tell you that both sides have excellent overseas performers from names like AB de Villiers and Starc to Mitchell Smith for the RCB and the likes of Shane Watson, Steve Smith and Chris Morris for the Royals. But it is the seven Indian guys that play a major role in every aspect of the game. This is where Binny, Hooda, Samson from the Royals and Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz and Dinesh Karthik from the Challengers might give the game take a decisive turn in favour of their respective sides. A quick fire cameo or some economical over’s could serve as gold in this mega clash. 6. The Captaincy Battle: RR vs RCB. (Photo Source: BCCI) The world would be watching with bait and breath as to how do two future long time captains for their national sides match up in this crucial encounter. Virat Kohli and Steven Smith are the most sought after cricketers in world cricket at the moment. It will be interesting to see which one of them responds better to the pressure of a knockout game. Both being aggressive by nature, expect a few verbal exchanges and mind games once the first delivery is bowled. Thus this mega contest will have a mini contest embedded along in it.

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6 things to look forward to in the Eliminator

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