Average performance by RR’s captain Ajinkya Rahane and below-par show of English all-rounder Ben Stokes and Rahul Tripathi has hurt them and the hosts need all these batsmen to fire. Three consecutive defeats, including a narrow one against Delhi Daredevils, has left them demoralised and their mentor, the legendary Shane Warne, too wore a dejected look in the dugout from where he saw the Royals miss out on half chances. Jofra Archer, though, has been impressive while pacer Jaydev Unadkat has been a complete let-down, taking just seven wickets at a poor 9.86 economy rate.
On the other hand, the KXIP are back to winning ways after an emphatic triumph over the Royals and would look to consolidate their position in the top-four. Punjab can even take the second place if they win today, provided they improve their NRR.
Though they rely heavily on good partnerships between Chris Gayle and KL Rahul, the likes of Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and Marcus Stoinis have been able to contribute handsomely.
Their bowling too has the variety with R. Ashwin, Axar Patel and the new sensation from Afghanistan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, proving more than handful for the opponent.
Head to Head :
Rajasthan hold the statistical advantage over the Kings, having won nine out of the 16 encounters between both teams. However, Punjab aren’t too far behind with seven wins over the Royals.
Total match 16
RR 9 :: 6 KXIP
Tie : 1
Pitch:
This Jaipur wicket is considered one of the best batting surfaces where the ball comes nicely onto the bat. However, batsmen will have to be wary of the big ground since most of their lofted shots will land within the range of fielders.
Probable XI:
RAJASTHAN ROYALS :
Jos Buttler, Ajinkya Rahane, D’Arcy Short/Heinrich Klassen, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, K Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Anureet Singh/Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat
KINGS XI PUNJAB :
Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Marcus Stoinis, Manoj Tiwary, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot
The do or die contest starts from 8 PM, tuesday at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
There is a lot of cricketing action today.
Stay tuned.
Ankit Vaishnav
