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Bangalore: Rajasthan Royals have torn apart their 'also-rans' tag in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with two consecutive big wins and will be hoping to carry on the momentum in their next encounter against Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Chinnaswamy Stadium here today.
Dubbed as the weakest team in the inaugural IPL, Rajasthan Royals certainly have been a revelation and flattened favourites Kings XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers.
Big wins
Led by the charismatic and wily Shane Warne, the Jaipur outfit suddenly look like a formidable side. They sunk without a trace in their first match against Delhi Daredevils. Many thought the nine-wicket thrashing handed by Daredevils would make Royals an easy prey for other teams.
But the next two matches witnessed a rejuvenated Royals as their opponents who were licking their lips in anticipation of big wins against them fell flat on their face. Royals dispatched off a strong Kings XI team by six wickets. Warne himself played a crucial role and snared three wickets. In their next outing, Royals came out determined to prove that the win against Kings XI was not a fluke and stunned star-studded Deccan Chargers by chasing down 215 in a thrilling match on Thursday.
After three matches, Royals, with two wins and one loss, occupy fourth place. Just behind them are Royal Challengers from Bangalore, who have one win and one loss under their belt.
The scripts for Royal Challengers have also gone on similar lines. Rahul Dravid-led Challengers slumped to a big loss in their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders but came back remarkably against Mumbai Indians in the next match.
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