"RCB are clear favourites"- Ambati Rayudu ahead of RR vs RCB IPL 2024 Eliminator

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu believes the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will start as favorites in their IPL 2024 Eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 22.

Bengaluru sneaked into the playoffs after an incredible turnaround that saw them win their final six games in a row. On the other hand, the Royals lost four games in a row before their final league game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was washed out due to rain.

Speaking on Star Sports, Ambati Rayudu explained how the momentum was with RCB and believed they would have the edge. He said:

"I think RCB are clear favourites for me, because of the way they are playing and they've had a clinical game against CSK and for RR I don't know if this gap in play will help, this washout would help them in going into an eliminator against RCB who I feel right now are a matured side and every player over there knows his role."

The Royal Challengers beat the Chennai Super Kings in their final league game by 27 runs and the margin of victory ensured that they snapped up the fourth place in a thrilling fashion at the expense of the Men in Yellow.

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Virat Kohli on RCB's qualification

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru had lost seven out of their first eight games and it seemed certain that they would get the wooden spoon. However, Virat Kohli was left short of words with the incredible turnaround. Here's what he had to say about the comeback:

"God’s got a plan. You just have to be honest about what you are doing, and I think we were pretty honest with our hard work, and we got the rewards. I don’t want to say anything more than this. Got to focus on the next one."

Virat Kohli has scored a staggering 708 runs so far and is comfortably at the top of the Orange Cap list. Bengaluru will hope their star batter keeps firing on all cylinders to take them closer to their dream of that elusive maiden IPL title.