May has brought significant shifts in fortune for both teams. RCB, once unable to secure a single victory, has now achieved six consecutive wins, crafting one of the most remarkable comeback stories in cricket history. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals, who were comfortably leading the points table with eight wins and just one loss, have suffered four consecutive defeats, leading them to this crucial do-or-die match against RCB.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defied expectations and overcame tremendous odds by securing six consecutive wins after a disastrous first half, where they managed just one win in eight matches. Now, they are set to take their first step towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy as they face off against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
Overall run rate: Before April 25, RCB’s overall run rate was 9.73, the fourth-best in the league. After their win against SRH, it rose to 11.03, the best in the league.
Improvement in middle-overs batting: In the first half of the season, RCB’s middle-overs run rate was 8.72, the sixth best. Since April 25, it has improved to 10.18, the second-best in the competition.
Drastic leap in powerplay bowling: Before April 25, RCB took just seven powerplay wickets, the least by any team, with an economy rate of 10.79. Post-SRH win, they took 16 wickets, the most by any team, with an improved economy rate of 8.72, the fourth-best.
Pacers bring the heat: RCB pacers struggled in the first half, taking 34 wickets with an economy rate of 10.66, the second worst. Since April 25, they took 28 wickets, the second-most, with an improved economy rate of 8.79, the best among all teams.
RCB has also scored 1,806 runs through fours and sixes, the most by a team in the league stage, outdoing SRH (1,768 runs through boundaries by the team qualifier one against KKR concluded). Also, they have got the third-highest number of fours (216) and second-highest number of sixes (157) this season.
The franchise also has 554 runs in the final three overs of a game across the season, with batters unleashing carnage in death overs, ending the league stage on top in this aspect.