IPL 2019: Match 4, RR vs KXIP, Preview – Punjab look to cease dubious record in Jaipur

The Royals are a tough opponent to beat in Jaipur- their fortress.

Published - 24 Mar 2019, 17:40 IST | Updated - 24 Mar 2019, 17:40 IST

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Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) were deemed to be one of the favourites to win the erstwhile edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after they stormed to a few stupendous victories in the first half of the tournament. However, somehow, the team, captained by off-spinner, lost its way and couldn’t even progress to the playoffs, much to its shock and disappointment.

This time around, they pretty much have the same set of cricketers and would be looking to get off to a blistering start in their first match against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Nevertheless, Punjab are yet to win a match at the renowned venue, losing all five encounters, though they have won as many as seven matches against the Royals.

The Royals, on the contrary, did well to reach the playoffs, but even their campaign was scratchy throughout. As far as tomorrow’s match is concerned, Ajinkya Rahane’s men are the favourites, bearing in mind their record at a stadium, which has been their fortress for more than one decade. They won’t want to let KXIP off the hook and hence, clinch the ascendancy from the outset.

Team Combination

Rajasthan Royals

The Royals will open with Rahane and the swashbuckling Jos Buttler. Steve Smith would be keen to perform in his comeback contest. Sanju Samson will bat at four with the prolific Ben Stokes at number five. Krishnappa Gowtham is also a valuable addition. The pace unit has Varun Aaron, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat and Jofra Archer. Shreyas Gopal is the lone spin-bowling option.

Probable XI

Ajinkya Rahane (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni, Varun Aaron

Kings XI Punjab

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul are the opening batsmen with Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair at number three and four respectively. Nicholas Pooran is most likely to make his debut in the IPL. Mandeep Singh is the other specialist batsman. Varun Chakravarthy is an exciting prospect as well. The spin department would be shouldered by Mujeeb and Ashwin. Tye and Rajpoot are the pacers.

Probable XI

Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Mandeep Singh, Ravichandran Ashwin (C), Varun Chakravarthy, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot

Rajasthan Royals won the toss, opt to field first

IPL-2019-PLAYING-XI-Rajasthan-Royals-vs-Kings-XI-Punjab

Focus will be on

Jos Buttler- Rajasthan Royals

Buttler batted in the middle order for a chunk of the last season and didn’t quite have much to do. However, the Royals management decided to open the batting with the Englishman and it turned out to be a masterstroke. He immediately made an impact and churned out half-centuries with sheer authority. The Royals would be looking up to the batter for another good show.

KL Rahul- Kings XI Punjab

KL Rahul was one of the positives from KXIP’s dismal last season. He played some match-winning knocks, some of which also were single-handed. Even as a few of them got his team over the line, a number of them came in losing causes. He didn’t get much support, especially from the middle order. The Karnataka-born batsman would be hoping for that to change this time around.

Head to Head

Matches – 17 | RR won – 10 | KXIP won – 7 | NR – 0

Stat Attack

26.45 – Chris Gayle averages a lowly 26.45 against the Rajasthan Royals. He scored 291 runs from 13 innings in the IPL against the Royals with only one fifty.

179* – KL Rahul scored 179 runs across two innings in the 2018 IPL against the Royals. He scored 84* and 95* while batting second in the consecutive matches played against RR in the previous edition.