Xplorich
He made an instant impression in his debut IPL season with 473 runs for RCB, establishing himself as a stylish batter. However, subsequent stints with Rajasthan Royals and Lucknow Super Giants didn’t bring the same success.
His return to Bengaluru last season, as he admitted, proved to be a turning point, playing a key role in the franchise finally clinching their maiden title.
The left-hander has started this season in similar fashion, smashing back-to-back fifties — a 29-ball 50 against Chennai Super Kings and a 26-ball 61 against Sunrisers Hyderabad — and will look to extend his rich vein of form.
Skipper Rajat Patidar and big-hitting Australian Tim David add solidity to the middle order.
However, it is RCB’s transformation with the ball that has stood out. Once considered their Achilles’ heel, the attack now looks far more balanced. Jacob Duffy has stepped up in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, delivering incisive spells, while Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have effectively controlled the middle overs.
Meanwhile, the Royals have emerged as one of the most explosive batting units this season, driven by the opening pair of Jaiswal and teenage sensation Sooryavanshi.
The duo has consistently provided flying starts, blending clean hitting with fearless stroke play to put opposition attacks under early pressure.
Sooryavanshi, in particular, has grabbed attention with his audacious stroke-making, including a six off the very first ball he faced from Jasprit Bumrah in the previous game, underlining his fearless approach.
While the 15-year-old has dominated headlines, Jaiswal has quietly showcased his class, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 77 against Mumbai Indians, combining composure with attacking flair.
Their bowling unit has also been impressive, executing plans with precision — whether hitting hard lengths or nailing yorkers at the death — making Rajasthan a well-rounded side.
Teams (from):
Rajasthan Royals: Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Aman Perala, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Adam Milne, Brijesh Sharma, Jofra Archer, Kuldeep Sen, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi and Sandeep Sharma.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (captain), Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Kanishk Chouhan, Vihaan Malhotra, Vicky Ostwal, Satvik Deswal.
