RR vs RCB, 11th match at Bengaluru, Apr 15 2018 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Royals captain Ajinkya Rahane: "Feels good, we know how dangerous they are against RCB. We were looking to score 160-170, but the way Sanju and Jos batted was incredible. We've been trying without left-right combination upfront. All of them have experience, it was about one big partnership. K Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal bowled really well. When you score 200 plus, the opponents will come hard at you. They held their own really well. Sanju and I have played together, he's the future for India and we all back him.

"I'm grateful to play this tournament every two months of the year," says Man of the Match Sanju Samson. "I'm feeling good, hitting the ball well, but the tournament has just started. I want to win as many matches as I can on the field. I love doing what my team wants me to do, whether it's on the field or as a keeper.

7.32pm This is an emphatic victory for Rajasthan Royals, who now have two wins in three matches. This is the first time this season that a captain who has lost the toss has won the game. Ajinkya Rahane too wanted to bowl first, but as it turns out, he'll take the result gleefully. Sanju Samson's magnificent 92 the difference as RCB's bowling floundered.

As it turned out, with the ball, it was a local boy Shreyas Gopal who struck to remove Kohli and de Villiers to make the difference. Up until then, RCB were right in it, only to fall apart following those two blows.

Towards the end, Mandeep and Washington gave RCB a glimpse of what their batting order could look like going forward. Is it too early to make wholesome changes? What do they do with the opening combination? Do they strengthen their lower order by including Colin de Grandhomme? Who sits out? Plenty of questions as they have one win in three games. They have a tough next game, against Mumbai Indians in Mumbai.

Mohan: "I can not believe the number of comments about changes to be made to RCB batting. Its never easy to chase 200+. What it lacks is a good bowling line-up and it is a "Elephant in the room" situation i guess. PS: This is coming from a SRH fan."

back to over the wicket

Ahmed: "RCB should open with Vohra in place of McCullum and play CDG or Moeen Ali at no 6 instead of Negi in the next match. "

Manish !: "@Shashank: Does RCB have other finishers as options sitting on the bench? Do you think ABD should be used as a finisher and come down at 5 or 6 instead." -- There's Colin de Grandhomme who should play in place of McCullum. Or Moeen Ali is another option then can consider.

Vyshakh: "RCB should've considered opening with Washington Sundar instead of including Negi. Then they could have played someone like Grandhomme at 7 whilst still playing Sarfaraz. Today's RCB batting line up looks very light."