Punjab Kings were hurt badly in IPL 2020 by Rajasthan Royals and they will be hoping to avoid a repeat in the 2021 edition.
Follow Us
In IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab faced a knock-out blow from one opponent twice. It was the classic way to deliver pain. On both occasions, it was Rajasthan Royals. In the first game, Rahul Tewatia blasted five sixes in one over and Rajasthan Royals pulled off the highest chase in IPL history. In the second encounter, Rajasthan Royals dealt a massive blow to Kings XI Punjab’s play-off chances.
Heading into IPL 2021, there have been changes galore. Kings XI Punjab are now Punjab Kings. Rajasthan Royals have a new captain in Sanju Samson. They also managed to be in the news for 16.25 crore reasons with the acquisition of Chris Morris in the auction. Rajasthan Royals have made some changes in order to buffer their batting and bowling, which puts them in good stead for IPL 2021.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings would be hoping that the change of name benefits them as it has done to Delhi Capitals. Punjab Kings are one of the three teams to have never won the IPL.
Under KL Rahul’s captaincy, the team has potential but they have stumbled at crucial intervals. The short run, Tewatia’s blitz, losing momentum at crucial times and not picking Chris Gayle at the start were some of the factors. In 2021, Punjab Kings would be hoping for renewed confidence
With Samson at the helm, Rajasthan Royals will be aiming to play attacking cricket. They have class in the form of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. However, with Jofra Archer missing a big portion of the IPL due to injury, their bowling attack is slightly weakened. Punjab Kings, on the other hand, have good depth in batting and bowling. With the Universe Boss in the side and with brilliance in the form of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran, Punjab Kings have an intimidating line-up.
Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, David Miller/Liam Livingstone, Mahipal Lomror, Chetan Sakariya, Kartik Tyagi, Shreyas Gopal, Mustafizur Rahman,
Punjab Kings: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Mohammad Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Jhye Richardson
Match no.4: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
Venue: Wankhede stadium, Mumbai
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Mumbai will be hot and humid. The dew factor did play a part in the later half. The wicket will be true and good for both the batsmen and the bowlers.
Rajasthan Royals have a 12-8 advantage against Punjab Kings. Rahul’s side would be aiming to overcome their recent poor record.
Rishabh Pant's explosive last-over blitz ignites IPL 2024 amid T20 World Cup comeback talks
