PBKS Vs RR: Match Preview
PBKS Vs RR – In a battle of IPL redemption, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will clash with Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Mullanpur stadium in Chandigarh this Saturday. Both teams are coming off losses and hungry for a win.
Rajasthan Royals, despite their first defeat of the season, still hold the top spot in the points table. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, find themselves precariously placed at number eight after a string of close defeats.
While RR remains a strong team, their winning streak has been snapped. This presents an opportunity for Punjab to capitalize on any lingering weakness and snag a much-needed victory.
PBKS VS RR: Weather/Pitch Report
The temperature is expected to be around 35°C on the match day with 44% humidity, which means dew might not play a huge role on Saturday.
Get ready for another run-fest! The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium is gearing up for its third match this season, and with the previous two being high-scoring thrillers, the trend is likely to continue if the pitch offers similar batting paradise conditions. While pacers might find some assistance here, the overall outlook favors batsmen.
PBKS VS RR: Predicted Playing XI
Punjab Kings
JM Bairstow, JM Sharma (wk), Shikhar Dhawan (C), AR Sharma, Shashank Singh, Sikandar Raza, SM Curran, Harpreet Brar, K Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, HV Patel
Rajasthan Royals
SV Samson (C), Jos Buttler, DC Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravichandran Ashwin, R Parag, Avesh Khan, N Burger, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal
PBKS Vs RR: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
Royals Ready to Rattle Runs:
- Sanju Samson (WK): The RR captain is on fire! Currently the tournament’s 4th highest scorer with 246 runs and 3 fifties under his belt, including a sizzling 68 in the last match against GT.
- Riyan Parag (BAT): Watch out for the new and improved Riyan Parag! This right-handed batsman has emerged as a run machine, amassing a whopping 261 runs in just 5 matches, including a stellar 3 half-centuries. He’s currently the tournament’s second-highest run scorer!
Punjab Kings’ Powerhouse:
- Shashank Singh (ALL): This big-hitting all-rounder is the backbone of the PBKS batting. He’s been a one-man show in the last two matches, displaying incredible power-hitting as he tries to single-handedly steal victories.
PBKS Vs RR: Top Player Picks
RR’s Spin Wizard and Pace Prowess:
- Yuzvendra Chahal (BOWL): The IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker continues to prove his worth! Currently the tournament’s joint-highest wicket-taker with 10 scalps at a miserly average of 13.20, he snagged two crucial wickets in the last match.
- Trent Boult (BOWL): Boult brings fire to the RR bowling attack. This left-arm pacer is a menace upfront, consistently aiming for early breakthroughs and putting pressure on the opposition.
Rabada Ready to Roar for PBKS:
- Kagiso Rabada (BOWL): A captain’s dream, Kagiso Rabada is the go-to man for PBKS. The South African speedster has bagged 7 wickets so far this season and will be hungry to add to his tally in the upcoming clash.
PBKS Vs RR: Dark Horse Picks
- Sam Curran (ALL): Curran has been a valuable all-rounder for PBKS. This season, he’s batting higher in the order, contributing with a recent score of 29 runs and taking two wickets in the last match.
- Ashutosh Sharma (BOWL): Sharma has formed a successful opening partnership with Shashank Singh. He impressed with an unbeaten 33 runs at a blistering strike rate against SRH.
- Jos Buttler (WK): Buttler hasn’t quite found his rhythm yet, except for a brilliant century against RCB. Despite his recent struggles, his ability to score big and bat for long periods makes him a crucial player for RR.
Dream11, Team 1, Small League & H2H
PBKS Vs RR
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Jonny Bairstow
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Riyan Parag, Sikandar Raza
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, Yuzi Chahal
Captain First-Choice: Jos Buttler || Captain Second-Choice: Shikhar Dhawan
Vice-captain First-Choice: Sanju Samson || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Yashasvi Jaiswal
Dream11, Team 2, Grand League
PBKS Vs RR
Wicket-keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Shashank Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Sam Curran, Riyan Parag
Bowlers: Yuzi Chahal, Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh
Captain First-Choice: Sam Curran || Captain Second-Choice: Kagiso Rabada
Vice-captain First-Choice: Riyan Parag || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Arshdeep Singh
Who Will Win?
Rajasthan are firing on all cylinders, making them a tough opponent for any team. Punjab Kings have a potent bowling attack, but their batting struggles could be their undoing. We predict a Rajasthan Royals victory this coming Saturday.
