The common thing between the Rajasthan Royals and the Kings XI Punjab is that they have some of the best Australian players in their line-up. If Royals have Mr dependable Steven Smith and all-rounder James Faulkner, the Kings can boast of having the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Johnson. If the Royals have Ajinkya Rahane, the Kings have the veteran Virender Sehwag. So, these two teams are evenly matches when they take on each other on Friday in Pune.
Last year, the Kings played the best cricket in the league phase and so they will be looking to start their IPL season with a bang. With Shane Watson at the helm of affairs, this team is considered to be one of the title contenders. In the inaugural year of the IPL, the Kings had played the semi-final and after so many seasons, they emerged as the runners-up last year.
This year too, they have the same team and so the expectations are even higher. What they couldn’t do last year, they want to do it, this time. It’s the repetition of the affirmations that leads to belief. And once this belief becomes a conviction, things begin to happen. The Kings have the same ideology in the team.
Meanwhile, each day holds a surprise for the Royals. After winning the trophy once in the 208 season, they lost their way for four years. It was a couple of seasons ago when they found their mojo back. Thanks to Rahul Dravid who helped this team to start believing in themselves. A good head and a good heart is always a formidable combination and the Royals have that in plenty.
This team wants to start doing what is necessary, then, do what is possible. Like all IPL teams, they want to start well, really well. Can they do it in front of the Kings? Let’s wait and see what unfolds on Friday!
