IPL 2018 RR vs RCB: 5 player battles to look forward to between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore

#3 Ajinkya Rahane vs Umesh Yadav

Ajinkya Rahane has not had the best of seasons in the IPL so far but in the absence of Buttler, he would need to rise to the occasion and play a substantial knock at the top of the order for RR.

He is averaging 26.45 and striking at only 120.74, but today, he would definitely need to raise his game and the biggest challenge he will face will be in the opening exchanges with RCB’s Umesh Yadav.

The Indian fast bowler has been the best bowler in the RCB side and the primary source of early wickets for the Virat Kohli-led team. Yadav has taken 17 wickets so far in 13 games and has gone for less than 8 runs an over.

His opening burst is going to be a test for Rahane and although he can handle himself against pace, it remains to be seen if he can go after him. This is going to be a very intriguing battle between two India team-mates.