IPL 2024: Punjab Kings strongest predicted playing XI against Rajasthan Royals, Match 27

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will go up against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Both the teams suffered heart-breaking defeats in their previous encounters, so expect a heated contest on Saturday, April 13, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Mohali. 

PBKS were an inch closer to victory in their last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but unfortunately, fell just two runs short in a thrilling match at the same venue that will host the upcoming match. It was Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma, the heroes of Punjab's win over Gujarat Titans (GT), who bailed the team out of trouble and almost helped them pull off an incredible win.

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson and Co. endured a three-wicket loss to Gujarat Titans (GT) off the very last ball of the innings, marking their first loss of the tournament. The hosts are currently eighth in the points table with two wins from five matches and will face a huge challenge from the dominant Royals in their quest to get back on the winning track.

Click Here: PBKS vs RR Live Score, Match 27

Here's the probable playing XI for Punjab Kings against RR in IPL 2024, Match 27: 

Openers: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow

The left-right opening combo involving captain Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow has yet to yield the desired results for PBKS. They have only put together one fifty-plus partnership this season and the duo were a disaster in the last match. 

Dhawan has made just 152 runs in five matches and looks completely out of touch. Bairstow, on the other hand, seemed to be slowly finding his rhythm but dashed all expectations with a three-ball duck in the last game. Their poor start in the powerplay puts a lot of pressure on the middle and lower-middle-order batters.  

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs - Orange Cap Updated List

Middle-order: Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma is an aggressive batter and the wicketkeeper has made brief impactful cameos in the last two matches. However, Punjab will expect more contributions from him, which will be a big plus for the team considering the poor top-order form. Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma are an incredible pair and are the strongest pillars of PBKS' batting unit.

Both were the torchbearers in Punjab’s stunning win against GT and they almost did a replication of it against SRH, but unfortunately, it didn't go their way. Shashank and Ashutosh will be RR’s biggest threat in the upcoming match as both are in red-hot form.

All-rounders: Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza

Sam Curran has done decently in the tournament so far. His contributions in both departments are vital to PBKS. He won the first game for PBKS with the bat (63 off 47 balls) and showed his bowling prowess in the match against LSG, picking up three wickets. Curran took two wickets in the last match but conceded 41 runs in his four overs.

Sikandar Raza featured in the last two matches but the Zimbabwe all-rounder failed to live up to the expectations. If Raza regains his form, his quick-fire knocks can bring stability to their middle order and make the job of finishers Shashank and Ashutosh easier.

Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Harpreet Brar had the worst outing of his IPL career in the last match against SRH, conceding 48 runs without a wicket in four overs. However, it was a rare off day for the star spinner and the franchise will keep faith in him to come out stronger in the upcoming match.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets - Purple Cap Updated List

Harshal Patel's form is a worrying sign for PBKS. The right-arm pacer has not been consistent in taking wickets and concedes a lot of runs, especially in the death overs. If this poor form continues, PBKS will look to bring in a new addition to the pace bowling department. Kagiso Rabada is the main strength of Punjab's bowling unit and the Proteas seamer will have a tough task against RR's formidable batting line-up. Arshdeep Singh was the pick of the bowlers for his team in the last match, collecting four wickets for 29 runs. The franchise will hope their left-arm pacer continues his rich form against RR.

IPL 2024: PBKS' Probable Playing XI against RR, Match 27

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Substitute: Prabhsimran Singh