IPL 2020: RR vs KKR could be a high-scoring contest

Samson will be in the spotlight again when RR play Kolkata Knight Riders

Below the radar where media attention is concerned before the start of the tournament, Rajasthan Royals have been making waves with their performances. They've won both of their matches, which in the context of several topsy-turvy results, is highly creditable.
But it is the manner in which RR have gone about their business that is even more noteworthy. For fans, their unrestrained approach has been exhilarating to watch, but it's not been such a delight for opponents. They've been left quaking in fear at the prospect of being mercilessly hammered. And RR are still without the services of Ben Stokes.
What makes Smith's team so dangerous?
Primarily, it's been the batting. In two matches, they've topped 200 both times, in the second instance chasing down 223 against Punjab King XI, and IPL record. And at the centre in both these fantastic batting performances is young Sanju Samson. His pyrotechnics have been dazzling for viewers, devastating for bowlers.
In top form, Samson has batted with supreme confidence, panache and intrepidity. Equally strong off front and back foot, with a 360 degree repertoire of strokes, he's mauled the CSK and Kings bowlers with great ferocity, but with style. He's not an ugly hitter with `agricultural strokes'. He's elegant, and has delectable touch play too go with power.
I've dwelt on Samson because what he does in this tournament can have wider ramifications not only on his own career, but also Indian cricket. As yet he's had an iffy career. A precocious 18-year-old in his debut IPL season in 2013, Samson earned an India cap (T2i) swiftly, in 2015. But five years after, he has still not been able to cement his place in the Indian side.
His two blazing knocks this season have not only been match-winning, but I believe, are also a missive Samson's sending out to India's selectors, coach Ravi Shastri and captain Virat Kohli. "I'm now ready to step into the position vacated by MS Dhoni," his batting exploits seem to say. The gauntlet has been thrown at Rishabh Pant.
Samson will be in the spotlight again tonight when RR play Kolkata Knight Riders. On paper, KKR appear stronger even now when you consider the strong and deep batting line-up (Gill, Narine, Rana, Morgan, Karthik, Russell) and a bowling attack looking sharp now with Cummins coming into his own.
Yet, RR have shown the spirit and ability to overcome odds. Archer's fiery, controlled pace can stymie the best batsmen, Tewatia's bazooka knock against Punjab marks him out as dangerous with bat too apart from his leg spin, Butler's waiting to explode. And Smith's resourceful batting and captaincy to harness the team's ambitions.
It promises to be a high scoring contest, and as mentioned, KKR look stronger on paper. But if not strong of nerve, they could come to grief against rampaging RR, like CSK and Kings XI before them.
Ayaz Memon is an Indian sports writer and commentator
 

• IPL 2019