IPL7: Will the Royal march continue for Rajasthan?

Ahmedabad: Up against an outfit that is struggling to stay afloat, fancied Rajasthan Royals will look to consolidate their position in the pecking order when they lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad here on Thursday. Rajasthan Royals staged a dramatic fightback to down Kolkata Knight Riders by 10 runs in their last match, while Sunrisers Hyderabad were overshadowed by Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Led by inspiring Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, Rajasthan are placed third in the points table with five wins and two reverses, while the Southern team is struggling to keep their chances alive in the competition having already suffered four defeats in six games to be placed seventh in the eight-team cash-rich tournament. Watson has always been the key man in the RR set-up and it will be no different this time around. Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson have been in good form. Leggie Pravin Tambe could pose a big threat. 

Players need to be vigilant, says Rahul Dravid

Rajasthan Royals’ mentor Rahul Dravid on Wednesday expressed happiness that no spot-fixing or match-fixing controversy has come to light in the ongoing IPL, but said players need to keep their eyes and ears open all the time.

“Its good that no such incident (match fixing) has surfaced this time. But, we (players and teams) all need to be vigilant and keep our eyes and ears open, because, there will be people who will be wanting to spoil the game,” said Dravid. Since Jaipur is not given any IPL match this season, Ahmedabad has been declared as the home ground of Royals, and Dravid said, that Ahmedabad fans would always support Rajasthan Royals.