Rajasthan Royals seem to be a team who peaked too early in their IPL 2024 campaign. They set the early pace, rose to the top of the standings, but are now looking wobbly with three defeats on the trot.

But with Delhi Capitals defeating Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, the Royals will have one headache less — with already 16 points in their kitty, they are now assured of a place in the playoffs.

Now their only goal would be to ensure a top-two finish in the league standings, which will guarantee them two shots at making the final. For that, the first job would be to win against the already-ousted Punjab Kings on Wednesday.

If they manage full points from Wednesday's game, they will be on 18. Kolkata Knight Riders are on 19. Intriguingly, the two teams meet in the final league stage game on Sunday and that game might well decide who goes on to finish at the top of the standings.

But that comes later. First up is Wednesday's match. There's another problem that the Royals will have to sort out. They will not have the services of Jos Buttler anymore in the tournament this year as he has flown back home to join the England team's preparations ahead of the T20 World Cup. Who will they replace Buttler with at the top of the order, to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal?

Tuesday's game, as well as their next one against KKR, will be played in Guwahati, the Royals' second home. So do not count out a special performance from the 'home' boy from Assam, the in-form Riyan Parag.