With the IPL 2024 playoffs just around the corner, we take a look at the biggest strength, the one glaring weakness, and the X-factor for each of the four playoff teams: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have the upper hand over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) Eliminator match. Rayudu cited RCB’s recent form, including a clinical victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), as reasons for his prediction. He praised RCB’s maturity and the clarity of roles within the team.
In the last double-header of the league on Sunday, the playoffs-bound Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals will battle at the Barsapara Stadium. The Knight Riders, already topping the standings, aim to secure another victory and conclude their group stage on a high. Meanwhile, the Royals face the challenge of winning their final league match to reach the second spot and gain two crucial advantages in the knockout stage. With the absence of star English players, both teams will field slightly altered lineups.
During the Chennai Super Kings’ match against Rajasthan Royals, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja became the third player in IPL history to be dismissed for obstructing the field. Jadeja’s dismissal, which occurred when he came in the way of a throw directed at the stumps, sparked a debate regarding the validity of the decision.
CSK batting coach Michael Hussey and RR counterpart Kumar Sangakkara expressed their views on the incident. Hussey acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating that Jadeja’s change in angle while running back may have influenced the umpire’s decision.
Sangakkara, on the other hand, maintained that Jadeja’s deviation from his original trajectory constituted a clear obstruction, leading to his dismissal.
In a rare and controversial incident during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Ravindra Jadeja became the victim of an ‘obstructing the field’ dismissal. The incident occurred in the 16th over when Jadeja, attempting to convert a single into a double, ended up colliding with RR captain Sanju Samson while Samson was attempting a throw to the stumps. The dismissal sparked confusion and debate, with Jadeja expressing dissatisfaction with the third umpire’s decision.
In a thrilling encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against Rajasthan Royals (RR) by a mere one run. The match reached its climax when Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowled Rovman Powell leg before wicket (LBW) off the final delivery, leaving RR just short of their target. As per International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, the ball becomes dead once the umpire signals out, rendering the outcome unchanged even if Powell’s review had been successful. Former South African pacer Dale Steyn has suggested incorporating rules similar to baseball to avoid confusion in such scenarios.
Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Keshav Maharaj has hailed his teammates, R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, while expressing gratitude for sharing the same franchise with the Indian spin duo in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Maharaj has emerged as a dependable spin option for RR since his debut, learning from Ashwin’s experience and trying to emulate Chahal’s white-ball brilliance. The Royals, who have been in sensational form this season, will rely on their bowling unit, including Maharaj, Chahal, and Trent Boult, as they face Mumbai Indians on Monday.
