CHAPTER 94: RCB VS. RAJASTHAN ROYALS – THE NEXT CHALLENGE

After the exhilarating victory against Mumbai Indians, RCB had firmly established themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the tournament. But the path to the playoffs remained unpredictable, and their next challenge was equally demanding—a clash against Rajasthan Royals, a side known for their strategic depth and explosive finishing ability.

Raj sat in the team meeting room, analyzing Rajasthan’s strengths and weaknesses. Unlike Mumbai, who relied heavily on top-order power hitting, Rajasthan played a more balanced game, utilizing their middle order effectively while ensuring their bowlers adapted quickly to changing match conditions.

The challenge ahead demanded adaptability. While RCB had successfully executed two high-pressure chases in recent matches, this encounter might require an entirely different approach.

Rajasthan Royals was one of the most tactically sound teams in the league. Their approach was designed around three key strategies:

Spin Dominance in Middle Overs – Unlike other teams that relied on pace-heavy death bowling, Rajasthan introduced spin early and maintained it well into the final phase.

Late Over Batting Acceleration – With power hitters like Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer, their finishing overs were often the most dangerous.

Fielding Precision and Pressure – Rajasthan’s squad prided itself on aggressive fielding, cutting down singles and forcing mistakes.

Understanding how to counter these elements was essential for RCB to maintain their winning streak.

Raj stood before his team, outlining the plan for the upcoming encounter.

Powerplay Bowling Discipline – Rajasthan’s batters thrived when they built momentum early. RCB needed strict field placements and tight deliveries in the opening six overs.

Brilliance – While RCB’s previous chases had seen incredible solo performances, this match required partnerships to ensure stability.

Spin Counterattack – Rajasthan’s middle overs would rely heavily on spin, meaning RCB’s batters needed to be prepared for controlled aggression rather than reckless hitting.

There was no room for complacency. Raj had led his team through tactical victories before, but Rajasthan’s unpredictability required sharp focus.

As the players took their positions for the toss, Raj adjusted his gloves, his mind already calculating every possible scenario. The stadium was electric, and anticipation ran high. The game was about to begin.

The stadium was alive with energy as Rajasthan’s opening pair walked onto the pitch, ready to set the foundation for their innings against an RCB side that had displayed immense tactical discipline in recent matches. Raj stood near the boundary, watching closely as his bowlers took their positions.

This match was different from the previous chases RCB had executed. The task now was to control Rajasthan’s aggressive batting approach and prevent them from settling too early. Raj knew that restricting the powerplay was crucial—if Rajasthan gained momentum in the first six overs, the middle overs would become significantly harder to contain.

The players adjusted their field placements as the umpire signaled the start. The battle had begun.

RCB’s pace duo—Mohammad Siraj and Josh Hazlewood—were set to open the attack, knowing that Rajasthan’s batting approach revolved around rapid scoring in the powerplay. Their openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler, were notorious for making quick starts, often crossing 50+ runs within the first six overs.

Raj had prepared his bowlers for a tactical opening phase that combined:

Back-of-length deliveries targeting movement – Preventing Rajasthan’s batters from driving freely.

Mid-wicket trap for early aerial attempts – Forcing mistakes instead of easy boundaries.

Sharp pace variations – Never allowing one particular rhythm to dominate.

Siraj took his mark, eyes locked on the batter, ready to unleash the first ball.

The first ball arrived—full-length, swinging slightly toward leg stump.

Jaiswal spotted the movement, shifted his stance quickly, and flicked it past mid-wicket.

Four runs.

Raj observed closely. Rajasthan had made their intent clear—they weren’t waiting around.

Next ball—short, angled toward the ribs.

Buttler adjusted immediately, pulling it hard toward square leg.

Six runs.

RCB’s bowlers knew what they were dealing with—a batting side that thrived in powerplay bursts.

Hazlewood stepped in for the fourth over, bringing in his signature tight length control.

First ball—length ball, just outside off

.

Jaiswal swung hard, attempting a lofted shot, but mistimed.

Edge taken. Caught behind.

OUT!

RCB had their first breakthrough, disrupting Rajasthan’s rhythm.

Raj nodded slightly. One wicket wasn’t enough. They needed to push for another immediately.

Score Update – Rajasthan’s Powerplay Performance

Rajasthan Royals – 58 for 1 (6 overs)

Jos Buttler – 34*(18), 3 fours, 2 sixes

Yashasvi Jaiswal (out) – 21 (14), 2 fours

Despite losing a wicket, Rajasthan had still managed a strong powerplay start.

Raj signaled to his spinners. It was time to shift tactics.

As the powerplay ended, Rajasthan Royals found themselves in a strong position, reaching 58 for 1 in six overs. But the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal had disrupted their momentum just enough to force a change in their strategy.

Raj observed closely from the dugout, knowing that the next phase of the match would decide the chase target. Rajasthan had been aggressive in the powerplay, but now they faced a different challenge—RCB’s spin assault in the middle overs.

Mumbai had struggled against spin in RCB’s last match, and Rajasthan’s batters now had to navigate Maxwell and Karn Sharma’s deliveries carefully. The fielders took their positions as Maxwell marked his run-up.

"We break their scoring rhythm now."

RCB had built a reputation for sharp tactical execution, and today was no different. Their spinners would follow a strict plan:

Early variation in flight and pace – Preventing batters from adjusting too quickly.

Mid-wicket traps for Buttler – Cutting off his favorite scoring zone.

Rotation-focused fielding adjustments – Ensuring no easy singles for Rajasthan’s batters.

If Rajasthan wanted a big score, they had to earn every run.

Maxwell fired in his first ball—fuller, drifting slightly toward off-stump.

Buttler moved quickly, sweeping hard toward deep square.

Four runs.

Raj nodded slightly. Rajasthan’s batters weren’t hesitating, but their attacking shots meant they were taking risks earlier than expected.

The next ball arrived—short-pitched, bouncing off the surface.

Buttler attempted a cut but mistimed.

Dot ball.

RCB’s fielders repositioned immediately, making sure Rajasthan couldn’t build momentum.

By over 10, Rajasthan had begun to slow down

, not by choice—but because RCB’s spinners had limited their attacking zones.

Their adjustments included:

Short singles instead of big shots – Preventing dismissals by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Deliberate patience against Maxwell’s flighted deliveries – Rajasthan was avoiding rash strokes, knowing that losing Buttler would expose their inexperienced middle order.

Lower risk placement shots – Targeting gaps rather than boundary attempts.

RCB had officially taken control, cutting Rajasthan’s run rate from 9.8 to 7.3 per over.

Raj watched carefully. Rajasthan was adapting—but they still weren’t accelerating.

"We need one more wicket now."

Karn Sharma stepped up for the 13th over, delivering a sharp leg-break to test Rajasthan’s adaptability against high-spin angles.

First ball—full toss, forcing the batter forward.

Buttler leaned into it, but the spin carried more than expected.

Mistimed shot. Edge taken. Caught behind.

OUT!

The stadium erupted—RCB had removed Rajasthan’s biggest threat.

Raj’s eyes remained fixed. The middle order was exposed.

"Now, we tighten the pressure further."

Score Update – Rajasthan’s Position Before the Death Overs

Rajasthan Royals – 112 for 2 (15 overs)

Jos Buttler (out) – 52 (38), 6 fours

New batter in – Shimron Hetmyer

Captain assessing run rate adjustment

RCB had successfully blocked Rajasthan’s acceleration phase.

But the final overs would be a different battle entirely—Rajasthan’s explosive hitters vs. RCB’s death-over tactics.

The match had entered its defining phase. Rajasthan Royals stood at 112 for 2 after 15 overs, but their momentum had stalled after the dismissal of Jos Buttler. The middle overs had seen RCB’s spinners dictate play, cutting Rajasthan’s run rate significantly and forcing their batters to play more cautiously than intended.

But now came the final battle—the last five overs, where Rajasthan had to decide whether they could salvage their innings or collapse under pressure.

Raj stood near the boundary, arms crossed, reading every field adjustment carefully. He had seen Rajasthan’s lower-order hitters perform miracles in the past, but RCB had planned extensively for this exact scenario.

"They’re unpredictable in the death overs. We don’t let them breathe."

The field was set. RCB’s pace attack returned. The final phase was about to begin.

Despite losing Buttler, Rajasthan Royals had one final plan to maximize their total before the innings ended. Their focus was on calculated hitting rather than reckless aggression

, aiming for boundary bursts at specific moments instead of going for big shots every ball.

Their adjustments included:

Targeting pace bowlers instead of spin – Rajasthan had struggled against RCB’s spin attack, but now they shifted to fast-paced shots against pacers.

Picking specific overs for acceleration – Rajasthan’s batters chose overs 16, 18, and 20 for their biggest scoring attempts.

Deep mid-wicket placement for aerial strokes – Instead of straight hitting, Rajasthan’s players targeted angles where RCB had fewer defenders.

Raj signaled toward Hazlewood. "They’re going for big swings now. No easy balls."

RCB had to counter quickly, or Rajasthan would push their total beyond control.

Hazlewood charged in for the 16th over, knowing that Rajasthan’s lower order was preparing for a powerful hitting phase.

First ball—fast, length delivery outside off-stump.

Hetmyer read it early, adjusting his stance, and drove it past extra cover.

Four runs.

Raj remained composed. Rajasthan had begun their acceleration, but RCB’s field placements were tight enough to limit their movement.

Next ball—sharp bouncer, forcing a defensive reaction.

Hetmyer misjudged it, pulling too early.

Dot ball.

Mumbai’s batters had only one option—fight for every single run.

With Rajasthan pushing aggressively, Siraj stepped in for the 19th over, knowing that his accuracy was critical in these moments.

First ball—full toss, swinging inward.

Hetmyer swung hard but mistimed the shot.

Caught at deep mid-wicket.

OUT!

RCB had successfully removed Rajasthan’s biggest late-game hitter.

Raj exhaled, cracking his knuckles.

"Now, we push them into full defensive mode."

Final Score – Rajasthan’s Total Before RCB’s Chase Begins

Rajasthan Royals – 176 for 5 (20 overs)

Shimron Hetmyer (out) – 31 (18), 3 fours

Lower order struggled under pressure

RCB successfully blocked Rajasthan’s highest acceleration potential

Raj turned toward the dugout. The target was set.

"176. Manageable. Now, we chase."

To be continued....