IPL 2023, RR vs PBKS: Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction
RR had a winning start to IPL 2023 [Source: IPLT20.com]
On Wednesday, two star-studded teams, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, will take on each other in a high-octane clash in Guwahati. After winning their respective first games, both teams are high on confidence, which is why we expect a nail-biting encounter.
Team Preview: Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals, who finished the IPL 2022 as runners-up, got a fabulous start to the season, decimating Sunrisers Hyderabad by a whopping 72-run margin in their first fixture.
While their top three steamrolled SRH with blistering knocks, their bowling unit, led by Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal, was too hot to handle for the Orange army.
So, the Royals must be happy, as their core players performed admirably against SRH. However, they would like better returns from Devdutt Padikkal and Riyan Parag, who must repay the faith the RR management has shown on them.
Team Preview: Punjab Kings
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Punjab Kings defeated KKR in their first game [Source: IPLT20.com]
Although Punjab Kings emerged victorious in their first game against Kolkata Knight Riders, there were some glaring loopholes, especially their death bowling, which they must sort out to sustain their winning run.
The Kings had a fare outing with the bat, with Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Shikhar Dhawan scoring handsomely and the other batters chipping in with crucial contributions.
However, despite having too many bowling options, they seemed a bit over-reliant on Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar, as the other bowlers went for plenty at a miserable economy rate.
Therefore, Shikhar Dhawan would like an improved outing from his bowlers, as RR have a formidable batting unit, which can run rampage on any given day.
Match Details
Date & Time: April 5, 07.30 PM IST
Venue: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, Assam
Live Streaming: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report: The surface in Guwahati has recently been favourable for the batters. Although the venue might cause the new ball to swing early on, the track is expected to be a belter to bat on, having a little on it for the spinners. So, the toss-winner should ideally opt to chase.
Probable Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (C/WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, KM Asif/Kuldeep Sen (If fit), Yuzvendra Chahal
Impact Player Probables: Dhruv Jurel, Kuldip Yadav, Sandeep Sharma, Donovan Ferreira, Murugan Ashwin
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan (C), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Brar
Impact Player Probables: Rishi Dhawan, Atharva Taide, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Mohit Rathee, Nathan Ellis/Matthew Short
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Jitesh Sharma
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-Rounders: Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza
Bowlers: Arshdeep Singh, Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada/Rahul Chahar
Captain: Jos Buttler/Sanju Samson
Vice Captain: Sam Curran
Prediction
With both teams studded with some T20 superstars, we reckon it's going to be a run-fest in Guwahati tomorrow. However, considering their bowling quality, we expect RR to emerge victorious in this match.
 "Debashis Sarangi")