IPL 2019 – Match 32: Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals – KXIP Predicted Playing XI

After seven consecutive victories in Mohali, it was the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) of all teams that managed to break the Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) winning streak. It came as a massive blow for the home team who were the favourites to win the game. Leaving that upset behind, the Punjab team will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next encounter.

The side is a confident unit as they defeated the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the previous game. Last time these two teams met, a huge controversy surrounded the game. A ‘Mankading’ incident took place and KXIP managed to pull off a win from the jaws of a defeat. When these two teams meet again on Tuesday, the emotions will be quite high and they would want to settle for nothing less than a victory.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP):

Openers (KL Rahul, Chris Gayle)

Terrific performances in the IPL this year has earned KL Rahul a World Cup spot. However, there is no scope of any relaxation for the 26-year-old and he will have to continue to be on the top of his game. The right-hander is relieved of the wicket-keeping duties and will look forward to putting up a big score in the next game after missing out in the last match.

Chris Gayle is proving to be a dangerous force in this IPL. He was the lone warrior for KXIP against RCB and scored an unbeaten 99. If he could find some support from the other end as well, the Jamaican will be unstoppable in the game against the Rajasthan Royals.

Middle Order (Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Mandeep Singh)

Mayank Agarwal was great in the last game with regards to the way he was hitting the ball. He hit a four initially and then followed it up with a glorious six in between the long-off and deep cover fielders. However, Yuzvendra Chahal bowled an absolute jaffa that got him out. Sarfaraz Khan also played a similar knock where he hit a six and a four. But, he failed to capitalise on the start.

Nicholas Pooran was roped into the squad in the last match in place of David Miller. However, he didn’t get an opportunity to bat and could get another game under his belt. Mandeep Singh has been relishing the role of a finisher and will continue to fit into the same role.

All Rounders (Sam Curran)

Every game that he plays in the IPL has been a great learning curve for Sam Curran. KXIP should persist with him as he is a player for the future. He can surely make it big in the times to come and should hold onto his spot. The southpaw didn’t have a great outing in the last match as he scored just 1 run and gave away 31 runs in 3 overs.

Bowlers (Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin)

Ravichandran Ashwin lost his cool several times in the last match. But, with the ball, he took the onus upon himself and did well for the team. In his four overs, he picked up the wicket of Parthiv Patel and gave away only 30 runs. Murugan Ashwin was also great in his four overs and conceded 24 runs. However, he was unfortunate not to have got any wickets to his name.

KXIP might replace Andrew Tye with Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The Afghan spinner is much better suited for the conditions and might have a big role to play. Mohammed Shami has been one of the better bowlers in the KXIP set-up and must look to keep performing well.

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