IPL 2022 Qualifier 2: Rajasthan Royals will be keen to turn it around against RCB, says Graeme Smith
India Today
Former South African cricketer Graeme Smith and ex-India coach Ravi Shastri believe the Qualifier 2 between RR and RCB will be a cracker of a contest.
Former South African cricketer Graeme Smith, who has been a part of the Rajasthan Royals side in the first few seasons, believes the pressure will be on the Sanju Samson-led side as they are heading into the IPL 2022 Qualifier 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on the back of a defeat.
However, Smith also pointed out that RR would be keen to turn it around and Qualifier 2 would be a cracker of a contest. RCB and RR have showcased great skills and class in the ongoing season to bring them into a position where they can end their title drought. RCB are yet to win their first IPL trophy, while RR couldn't replicate their success ever since lifting the trophy in the inaugural season in 2008.
Smith said, "I think the challenge will be for Rajasthan Royals after their disappointing loss against Gujarat Titans (in Qualifier 1). They must be hurt. Can they pick themselves up? RCB, on the other hand is on a high. They'll be keen to turn it around and put back a high skill level in the game. So, I agree with Ravi that we are going to have a cracker of a game on Friday night," Smith said while speaking on 'Cricket Live' on Star Sports.
On the other hand, former India coach Ravi Shastri believes the Qualifier 2 in IPL 2022 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals will be a royal affair as both the teams would be leaving no stones unturned to win the game.
"It's been 14 years for RCB (as they've never owned that elusive silverware) and 13 years since Rajasthan won their last title in the inaugural season. So between the two of them, it's been 27 years (laughs). They both want it badly and it will be a battle of Royals. Let's wait for that one. It's going to be a great contest as both the teams would want to win it badly," Shastri said.
Qualifier 2 will be played at the Narendra Modi International Stadium - the biggest cricket stadium in the world - which will be packed to its capacity.
