IPL 2021: PBKS vs RR- Match Preview

IPL 2021: PBKS vs RR- Match Preview. The 32^nd match of the IPL 2021 will have Rajasthan Royals take on Punjab Kings at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. Both sides are sitting at the bottom half of the points table and have to fight really hard to reach the playoffs.

IPL 2021: PBKS vs RR- Match Preview

Punjab Kings’ performances haven’t really encouraged a lot of optimism. Much like the previous years, skipper KL Rahul has scored the bulk of the runs for the team.

Mayank Agarwal too has given great support, however, big names such as Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and Moises Henriques failed to make an impression. KL Rahul is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament, having managed to score 331 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 136.21.

They have been pretty ordinary with the ball as well. The fast-bowling unit, comprising Riley Meredith, Mohammad Shami and Richardson, leaked plenty of runs. Both Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith won’t be available for the second leg of the tournament.

They have roped in Nathan Ellis and Adil Rashid as replacements. For Dawid Malan, they have included Aiden Markram in their ranks.

With 3 wins in 8 matches, Punjab Kings are currently languishing at sixth position on the points table. They can’t afford to lose too many games from here. The important thing is to shortlist the best playing XI and stick with them for the rest of the season.

Full Squad: 

KL Rahul (Captain), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Prabhsimran Singh, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Darshan Nalkande, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Ishan Porel, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Pratyush Singh, Jalaj Saxena, Nathan Ellis, Adil Rashid, Aiden Markram

Rajasthan Royals 

With 3 wins in 7 matches, Rajasthan Royals are sitting at fifth position on the points table. Sanju Samson and Co. haven’t yet won two consecutive games in the tournament. They have failed to exhibit consistent performances.

Having said that, they are very much in the contention of making the playoffs. Butt isn’t going to be easy, especially in the absence of some key overseas players. The likes of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were unavailable for the first half of the tournament.

They will continue to miss out on the second leg as well for different reasons. Besides, Jos Buttler has also made himself unavailable for the second leg of the tournament.

Rajasthan Royals, though, have made some notable inclusions. They have roped in the world’s number one T20 bowler in Tabraiz Shamsi. For the opening slot, they have included Glenn Phillips and Evin Lewis, both of who are in great form. To strengthen the fast bowling department, they have included Oshane Thomas in the squad.

Much to their delight, Liam Livingstone is also back into the mix. With so many options to choose from, it will be interesting to see which 4 overseas options they would go for.

Sanju Samson and Chris Morris were two standout players for them in the first leg of the tournament. Unlike previous seasons, Sanju Samson has performed consistently this year. He is RR’s highest run-scorer with 277 runs in 7 matches at an average of 46.17. Chris Morris has bowled really well and has certainly lived up to his billing.

He is currently the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets in 7 matches. Besides, he has also played some handy knocks lower down the order with the bat. It will be interesting to see if the duo can continue their form in UAE.

Full Squad: