Punjab Kings are seventh in the points table with 10 points after 10 matches, having won 5 of them. The Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad had the same points, but Punjab’s net run rate is negative. Rajasthan Royals are in the top 3 in the points table with 6 wins in 10 games.
By winning the match against Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings will be looking to enter into the top 4 in the points table. Despite having one of the best batting lines-up filled with hard-hitting T20 batsmen, they failed to deliver with the bat. Mayank Agarwal decided to bat at 4 to allocate Jonny Bairstow as an opener.
This season, Bhanuka Rajapaksa impressed with his aggressive hitting and he tried to form partnerships when the team needed it. Liam Livingstone has a strike rate of 186. Only Dinesh Karthik has a higher strike rate than him with a minimum of 100 balls.
The Punjab Kings’ squad finally found a balanced combination with the addition of Rishi Dhawan, and Banuka Rajapaksa replaced the struggling Shahrukh Khan. Rabada and Arshdep Singh are impressed with the ball.
Rajasthan Royals lost back-to-back matches against Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. When Buttler fails with the bat, other team members aren’t able to stand for their team. Buttler’s opening partner, Devdutt Padikkal, isn’t able to provide some aggressive starts for the team. Skipper, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer have played some quick cameos.
The Royals’ pace bowlers Trent Boult and Prasidh Krishna and the spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal have been in top form. Chahal is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
Karun Nair played at 4 for RR in the last match. He can open in place of Devdutt Padikkal. Punjab is coming from a win, so no changes are expected.
Jos Buttler(✈️), Karun Nair, Sanju Samson(w/c), Rassie van der Dussen(✈️), Shimron Hetmyer(✈️), Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult(✈️), Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Sen
Mayank Agarwal(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa(✈️), Jonny Bairstow(✈️), Liam Livingstone(✈️), Jitesh Sharma(w), Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada(✈️), Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma, Arshdeep Singh
Jos Buttler hasn’t scored well in the last two matches, and the English batter might come back strong in this match, considering the relatively weaker PBKS bowling lineup.
Jonny Bairstow will open for Punjab, which is his favourite position and he has had success as an opener in the IPL.
Shmiron Hetmyer and Sanju Samson are playing well and contributing some points to the fantasy team.
Punjab’s overseas middle order may struggle against Yuzvendra Chahal. Kagiso Rabada is back in the top three wicket-takers with 17 wickets.
Wicketkeeper: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Jonny Bairstow
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shimron Hetmyer
All-Rounders: Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone
Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada
Captain: Jos Buttler
Vice Captain: Liam Livingstone
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