For a team which has always boasted of a galaxy of stars, the IPL crown has eluded the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

For Rajasthan Royals, it’s time they do an encore of 2008 with the impact players they have in their ranks.

Both teams will bank heavily on their English and Australian recruits as they hope for a change in fortunes in the emirates.

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Looking at Virat Kohli (above)’s achievements, one can only wonder how the team’s performance, especially in the last three editions, has been so mediocre. To be fair to Kohli, it’s their bowling that has often led RCB down along with some questionable team selections.

Finch’s role

Australia limited-overs captain Aaron Finch will not just galvanise RCB’s batting strength, but lend extra support to Kohli and AB De Villiers in terms of dealing with the spin-friendly conditions.

‘Young AB’ Philippe

After Adam Gilchrist and Steve Smith spoke highly of Josh Philippe, the 23-year-old Aussie keeper-batsman earned accolades from De Villiers too. “I see a lot of similarities with the way he plays and how I used to when I was younger,” said AB.

Effective spinners

RCB have Dale Steyn, Umesh Yadav and young Mohammed Siraj in their pace arsenal, but it’s their spinners who are likely to play a greater role given the conditions. Kohli will bank on Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa and Moeen Ali to tweak it for him.

• Last season: Eighth
• Captain: Virat Kohli
• Head coach: Simon Katich
• Major signings: Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn

Rajasthan Royals

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Since their triumph in the inaugural edition, a second IPL crown has remained elusive for the Royals, although they did make the play-offs on a few occasions thereafter. Last year was a major disappointment as they finished second from bottom. That too, with the presence of the illustrious quartet of Steve Smith, Jos Buttler (below), Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in a fair share of matches.

Smith, Stokes availability

A key question is: from when will the Royals be able to field Steve Smith, who is nursing concussion symptoms, and Ben Stokes, away in Christchurch to be with his ailing father, together in the XI?

Surprise picks

The young trio of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Akash Singh and Kartik Tyagi — who were all impressive in the U-19 World Cup — could be the X-factor.

David Miller and Tom Curran should boost the side — Miller can play the finisher’s role.

Utilising Unadkat

Left-arm pacer Jaydev Unadkat’s knowledge of bowling on slow tracks could come in handy.

• Last season: Seventh
• Captain: Steve Smith
• Head coach: Andrew McDonald
• Major signings: David Miller, Tom Curran