RCB's out-of-touch batting looks to fire against RR's competent bowling in Royal battle:

Start poorly, recover, gain momentum, lose a few and then make a last-ditch climb to the playoffs. This has somewhat been a loose trend both Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals have followed over the past few years. In that sense, being among the early pace-setters is an unusual position to be in.

Royals are slightly better off at present, having racked up impressive wins over Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals to be placed third on the points table with five wins in seven games. Royal Challengers would be relieved their customary mid-season shellacking is out of the way. A forgettable 68 all out two nights ago against Sunrisers Hyderabad leaves them currently at fifth spot, but with five wins in eight.