Knights fight to live!

KKR players celebrate a wicket against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur last month. Pic/AFP

Two years ago, almost to the day, a star was born here. Yashasvi Jaiswal, then 22, remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 47-ball 98 that powered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a nine-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Jaiswal, whose fifty off 13 that day is still the fastest in IPL history, will be back at the Eden Gardens on Sunday, this time in the company of another precocious talent.

All eyes will be on ‘wonder boy' Vaibhav Suryavanshi after the teenager scored a 35-ball century, the second-fastest in IPL, against Gujarat Titans last Monday. The two had put on 166 for the first wicket, helping RR chase down a 210-run target with 25 balls to spare. However, both were dismissed cheaply when RR slumped to an embarrassing 100-run defeat at home to Mumbai Indians on Thursday.

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Love Vaibhav's confidence: Bond

Shane Bond revealed how protective the franchise has become of the teen talent. "We're trying to educate him on things around him; shield him a little bit from the social media stuff and all the trappings that come with the way he started," RR's bowling coach said on Saturday. "And I love his steely determination and confidence."

Vaibhav Suryavanshi plays football during RR's practice session at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday. Pic/PTI

That loss threw RR out of contention for a Playoff berth, and that renders them more dangerous. In a format where bold is beautiful, the Royals have the advantage of being in a nothing-to-lose situation. In contrast, KKR, with their hopes hanging by a thread, have everything to lose. There's no room for a slip-up.

An important phase

"You can't get too desperate; you still have to trust the process. It's an important phase for not just us, but even the teams that are leading. [It matters] who at this point plays the better cricket," feels Rovman Powell, the ‘other' Jamaican' in the KKR line-up. While Jaiswal and Suryavanshi pose the opening threat, the likes of Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Shimon Hetmyer can do serious damage down the order. KKR bowlers need to be at the top of their game.

While the Royals's batting, despite skipper Sanju Samson's absence, is dangerous, their bowling has left much to be desired. That stand-in skipper Parag, a part-time spinner, was the most economical of the six bowlers on Thursday is a statement in itself. That should inspire KKR's batting unit, which, notwithstanding the 204 they put up at the Delhi Capitals's home, has fallen woefully short this season.

The franchise is also sweating over the fitness of skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who has been their most consistent batsman. "He has shown progressive improvement over the last few days. He started batting, so that is a good sign going into tomorrow [Sunday]," said Powell.