IPL 2019: Match 4, Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab - Match Prediction

The first Monday of the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will see Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) go against each other at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on March 25 (Monday). Meanwhile, it will be a cracker of a game with both sides having some quality players in their ranks.

Last year, the Royals finished in the fourth position as they lost out to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the eliminators. They had a slow start in IPL 2018 and picked up midway after promoting Jos Buttler at the top of the innings. On the other hand, Punjab lost track after making an exciting start to the tournament. However, both sides have added to their strength in the IPL auctions and is raring to go.

Rajasthan Royals will receive a massive boost with the return of Steven Smith. The former Australia skipper will be a crucial addition in the batting unit which already boasts Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Ajinkya Rahane. The bowling also looks settled with Jofra Archer leading the charge in the bowling department.

Punjab, on the other hand, have a stable opening pair in KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. Gayle has been in outstanding form of late, and the KXIP franchise will want him to continue his onslaught for the Punjab-based franchise.

Date and Venue: March 25 (Monday) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Weather Report:

The weather will be ideal for a cricket game with the temperatures hovering around 25-27 degree Celsius. Moreover, they will are no chances of rain during the game time which will be a piece of good news for the fans.

Jaipur generally provides a good batting wicket, and it is likely to give the same during Monday’s clash. There are small boundaries on offer making the job of the batsmen easy. The outfield is also likely to be lightning fast, and the balls will race away to the ropes once it crosses the infield.

Match Prediction:

Both Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab have a quality side on paper and will look to start on a winning note. Meanwhile, the home side have won 10 of the 17 games they have played against each other. Moreover, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side are a dominant force at home beating the Kings in all the five games played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

However, Kings XI Punjab is also not an easy nut to crack as they have some quality hitters of the cricket ball. They need to strike the right balance and play as a unit for the results to come by their way.

Considering the statistics and the advantages of playing at home, Rajasthan Royals will have the edge over the visiting side during Monday’s clash of titans.