IPL 2023 match preview: Royal Challengers Bangalore v Rajasthan Royals

Key match-ups, analysis, form, team news, weather forecast, tickets, TV and streaming information, odds, predictions and more ahead of the latest encounter in the 2023 IPL

What's the match?

Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 Indian Premier League.

When is it taking place?

The match is scheduled to start at 3.30pm local time (11.30am BST) on Sunday, April 23.

Where is the match being played?

The match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

Who's got form?

A scintillating 24-run victory against Punjab Kings saw RCB jump to mid-table, despite only winning two of their last five games. Looking to carry this upward momentum forward, they will be hoping for more of the same against current league-leaders Rajasthan.

The Royals, meanwhile, are looking to get back to winning ways after a 10-run defeat to Lucknow Super Giants snapped a three-game winning streak. Expect Rajasthan to have the bit between their teeth as they seek to consolidate their position at the top of the points table.

^{Mohammed Siraj could be a key player for RCB [Sajjad Hussain/AFP via Getty Images]}

What's the team news?

For RCB, Josh Hazlewood remains unavailable. Fans can expect Vijaykumar Vyshak to replace Faf du Plessis as their impact player once more. The South African is nursing a rib injury and they will not want to take any risks as with their star player.

Rajasthan fans, meanwhile, will be pleased to hear there are no new injury concerns to report. After a useful contribution from Devdutt Padikkal with the bat last time out, expect him to come in as Rajasthan's impact player, most likely for Yuzvendra Chahal, once again.

What's the key matchup?

Another sparkling Mohammed Siraj performance, or lack thereof, will be key in RCB's pursuit of victory. An exhibition of white-ball bowling from Siraj saw his side return to winning ways in their victory over Punjab Kings, with figures of 4 for 21, including two wickets in the 18th over, proving decisive.

Much weight also rests on the shoulder of opening pair Virat Kohli and du Plessis, both of whom have enjoyed consistent performances in the top order.

Rajasthan, meanwhile, will be hoping to restore the momentum they lost after a turgid and convincing batting performance saw them fall to the Super Giants. Keep an eye on captain Sanju Samson who is due some runs, and top-order talisman Jos Buttler who will be itching to kick on after a series of healthy, but not match-winning, scores.

Head-to-head record 

Matches played: 27

Royal Challengers Bangalore wins: 13

Rajasthan Royals wins: 12

No result: 2

What's the weather forecast?

Some light rain is expected in Bangalore, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius.

^{The Royals will be hoping for a big knock from Jos Buttler [Money Sharma/Getty Images]}

What are the squads?

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Faf du Plessis (c), Virat Kohli, Suyash Prabhudessai, Rajat Patidar (injured, Vijaykumar Vyshak), Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Finn Allen, Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Harshal Patel, David Willey, Karn Sharma, Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Josh Hazlewood, Siddarth Kaul, Akash Deep, Reece Topley (injured, replaced by Wayne Parnell), Himanshu Sharma, Will Jacks (injured, replaced by Michael Bracewell), Manoj Bhandage, Rajan Kumar, Avinash Singh, R Sonu Yadav

Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Prasidh Krishna, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, KC Cariappa, Jason Holder, Donavon Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, M Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Joe Root

What are the possible starting XIs?

Royal Challengers Bangalore: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Mahipal Lomror, Glenn Maxwell, Shahbaz Ahmed, Dinesh Karthik, Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Wayne Parnell, Mohammed Siraj, Vijaykumar Vyshak

Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c),  Dhruv Chand Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Sandeep Sharma

What are the odds?

RCB go into this fixture at evens, while Rajasthan Royals are the favourites with odds of 4/5.

Prediction?

Rajasthan's quality is unquestionable, but the stars are aligning for RCB - both figuratively and literally. With the internationals powerhouses of du Plessis, Siraj and Kohli all firing of late, Rajasthan will have their work cut out to stop the home side in their tracks. RCB to win.

Where can I watch the game?

In the UK, Sky Sports have exclusive rights to this year's tournament, with matches available on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.

Fans in India can watch all the action on Star Sports.

Elsewhere in the world, viewers in Australia can watch the IPL on Fox Sports while in New Zealand, Sky Sport will provide coverage.

Willow TV and Flow Sports will broadcast the tournament in the United States and the Caribbean, respectively.

Fans in MENA can catch the action on beIN Sports while in South Africa, SuperSport have the rights.

If you are watching from the Middle East, you'll be able to view the game on Times Internet.

People from Bangladesh can watch the game on Gazi TV.