There isn’t much time for licking your wounds at the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may not actually mind that though: both will be keen to push their comprehensive defeats in their opening matches behind them when the sides face off at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.
KKR, the reigning champion, was humbled at home, the Eden Gardens, by Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the first night of cricket’s most glamorous league, by seven wickets. The following day, RR, the inaugural champion, was outbatted, not entirely surprisingly, by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), which won by 44 runs after posting 286 for six.
That was an away game for the Royals at Hyderabad, and this one is being played at their second home. It is also home to its stand-in captain and one of India’s most improved youngsters, Riyan Parag.
The 23-year-old will want a memorable game in front of his adoring fans. He is deputing Sanju Samson, who is being played only as an Impact Player at the moment.
The stylish batter did make an impact against SRH, scoring a 37-ball 66. RR needs him and Dhruv Jurel to carry on their form from Hyderabad, as well as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Parag to find theirs. RR’s bowling has to be tidier, too.
KKR also needs to come up with a much improved show. Captain Ajinkya Rahane must be hoping for better efforts from his batting colleagues and for better returns with the ball from the likes of Varun Chakravarthy.