5 Player Battles To Watch Out For in RR vs PBKS
RR will take on PBKS in game 8 of the IPL 2023 [Source: IPLT20.com]
On Wednesday, Rajasthan Royals will lock horns with Punjab Kings in the eighth match of the Indian Premier League 2023. Both teams comprise some outright match-winners, so we expect a high-voltage clash in Guwahati.
Meanwhile, there are some on-field rivalries which can determine the outcome of the game. Let's analyse and list such five player battles to watch out for in this face-off.
Jos Buttler vs Kagiso Rabada & Rahul Chahar
Jos Buttler in action [Source: IPLT20.com]
Swashbuckling English keeper-batter Jos Buttler began the IPL 2023 with a bang, hammering a blistering 22-ball 54 and playing a vital role in RR's thumping 72-run victory over SRH. As he is in scintillating form, the Royals management would like him to sustain his purple patch.
Speaking of the matchups, Buttler have two interesting rivals in Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Chahar. While the 32-year-old has dominated Rabada throughout his T20 career, he has been dismissed by Chahar twice in the IPL.
Jos Buttler vs Kagiso Rabada (in T20 cricket): 56 balls, 96 runs, 1 dismissal, SR- 171.42
Jos Buttler vs Rahul Chahar (in T20s): 26 balls, 43 runs, 2 dismissals, SR- 165.38
.jpg)
Shikhar Dhawan vs Ravichandran Ashwin
Shikhar Dhawan [Source: IPLT20.com]
Shikhar Dhawan will play a vital role for Punjab Kings, as he will spearhead their batting lineup alongside Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran. However, the task for Dhawan will be challenging, as he will be up against his perennial nemesis, Ravichandran Ashwin.
Statistically, Ashwin, a nightmare for LHBs, has the upper hand over Dhawan, dismissing him four times in the shortest format.
Shikhar Dhawan vs Ravichandran Ashwin: 97 balls, 85 runs, 4 dismissals
Sanju Samson vs Sam Curran
Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson had a fabulous outing in the previous game, leading his side to a commanding victory through a marvellous half century. However, Sam Curran could emerge as a headache for the Kerala keeper-batter, as he has poor numbers against the English all-rounder.
Sanju Samson vs Sam Curran: 15 balls, 20 runs, 2 dismissals
 (1) (1) (1) (1).png)
Bhanuka Rajapaksa vs Yuzvendra Chahal
 copy.jpg)
Rajapaksa played a fantastic knock against KKR [Source: IPLT20.com]
Explosive Sri Lankan batter starred for Punjab Kings in their first game against KKR, as he powered them to a massive 192-run total through a counterattacking half-century. However, replicating the same versus RR will be tough for the Lankan mainstay, as he will undergo a litmus test against veteran Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa vs Yuzvendra Chahal (Overall): 26 balls, 29 runs, 2 dismissals
Devdutt Padikkal vs Rahul Chahar
Young Karnataka player Devdutt Padikkal hasn't really nailed his role of a middle-order batter, blowing hot and cold at number four for Rajasthan Royals since joining them last year. However, he has an opportunity to showcase his spin-hitting prowess in this game, as he has an impressive head-to-head record against Punjab's premier spinner, Rahul Chahar.
Devdutt Padikkal vs Rahul Chahar: 29 balls, 49 runs, 0 dismissal, 169 SR
 "Debashis Sarangi")
