IPL 2023: Match 8 RR vs PBKS Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

Both Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings made a winning start in their respective campaign openers.

Published - 04 Apr 2023, 14:12 IST | Updated - 04 Apr 2023, 14:12 IST

3 Min Read

Following a comprehensive victory in their campaign opener, Rajasthan Royals will take on Punjab Kings in the eighth match of the ongoing IPL 2023. Sanju Samson's side heads into the clash at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the second home of the Royals, on the back of a 72-run victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The foundation for Rajasthan's victory in their campaign opener was laid by their top three batters, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Sanju Samson, as all three registered brisk half-centuries to propel their side to a daunting total of 203 runs. Explosive English opener Jos Buttler continued his brilliant form from last season, helping Rajasthan to their best score in the powerplay.

While the batters did their job in the first innings, Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal dazzled with the ball to seal a comfortable victory for their side. Meanwhile, their opponents, Punjab Kings, also got off to a winning start against Kolkata Knight Riders in a rain-affected match in Mohali.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa's explosive half-century propelled Punjab Kings to a more than competitive total despite a late riposte by the KKR bowlers and young Indian left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh ran riot with the new ball in a glittering bowling display to help his side ease past the visitors.

Pitch and Conditions

The surface in Guwahati is a nightmare for the bowlers, who usually struggle at the flat pitch at this venue. The batters usually enjoy their time in the middle and are expected to play the big shots from the get-go. The team winning the toss would be inclined to bat first at this venue, given the nature of the surface.

Probable Playing XI for RR vs PBKS

Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan-based outfit are billed as one of the favourites to win this year's tournament and their all-round brilliance in their first encounter has further bolstered their reputation. Jos Buttler will be expected to provide another brisk start to the side, while the experienced bowling unit will be looking to replicate the same performance from the first match.

Probable Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal

Punjab Kings

Punjab's new skipper Shikhar Dhawan will be expecting more of the same from his side when they take on Rajasthan Royals. Although they will be pleased by the outing of their batters in the season opener, they will hope that the batters can weed out reckless shots in the upcoming matches.

Probable Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Nathan Ellis, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh