Rajasthan Royals are sixth on 12 points from 12 games after three straight defeats, and their remaining fixtures are against LSG and MI, both already out of the race, which keeps a push for the playoffs alive. Their best work comes from fast starts by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, as in big chases of 223 against Punjab Kings and 202 against RCB. Dhruv Jurel and Donovan Ferreira add power late, but RR can stall against quality spin when wickets fall early.
Jofra Archer leads the attack with his early breakthroughs, with Brijesh Sharma and Ravi Bishnoi controlling the middle overs on slower pitches. Death bowling is the main concern after several close games.
Lucknow Super Giants are out of playoff contention but remain dangerous, with Mitchell Marsh, Josh Inglis and Aiden Markram often pushing past nine an over early. They have made 228 against Mumbai Indians and 209 against RCB, but collapse when wickets fall early. Most of their wins have come while chasing. Prince Yadav and Mohammed Shami have been effective with the new ball and Digvesh Singh Rathi has taken wickets in the middle overs, though like RR they have struggled at the death. In a high-scoring contest our preview narrowly favours Lucknow.
