Overview

• RCB has a perfect away record but has lost all three home matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium this season, putting pressure on their playoff bid.
• Rajasthan Royals, currently eighth in the standings, have lost six of eight matches, including their last four, threatening their tournament survival.
• RR captain Sanju Samson is sidelined with a side injury, further complicating their chances in this critical encounter.
• The Chinnaswamy pitch, unusually favorable to bowlers this year, has led both teams to consider fielding first to exploit second-innings batting conditions.
• Rahul Dravid, RR’s coach and former RCB captain, emphasized the need for error-free cricket to keep RR’s playoff hopes alive.