IPL 2023 | Predicted Playing XIs for Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals

image-lht86p1fRajasthan Royals (Source: BCCI/IPL)

With the qualification getting tighter and tighter each passing day, the race for playoffs is heating up with as many as seven teams still in contention to qualify with 14 points being the cutoff as of now. Now, looking at this, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the scenic HPCA stadium in Dharamshala.

Both the teams are coming off disappointing losses which have jeopardised their position as they can only reach the 14 points mark with this being their final game of the group stage.

Even after winning this match, the qualification won't be confirmed as other results would come into the picture.

Therefore, let's have a look at the playing XII that could take the field on Friday Evening at Dharamshala:


Punjab Kings

Openers

Shikhar Dhawan (c) and Prabhsimran Singh

No question over the opening slot as Prabhsimran has impressed one and all with his explosive batting at the top of the order. Alongside him, skipper Shikhar Dhawan who got out for a duck in the last match would be looking to regain his form.

Middle-order

Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan

Atharva Taide struck an important half-century in the match against Delhi and would continue to retain his place with this kind of performance. With a thundering show against Delhi, Liam Livingstone played one of the best knocks of the IPL as he fell short by six runs of his first ton that too in a losing cause.

Jitesh Sharma and Shahrukh Khan have been doing extremely well for Punjab in death overs with some great power-striking on display. Also, Sam Curran has played some cameos with the bat and could even play a major role when required.

Bowling

Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh

The spin duo of Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar will continue to hold their place in the side and will have to play a crucial role in case the pitch starts to turn. Kagiso Rabada was quite expensive in the last match, hence, Rishi Dhawan might be preferred considering this is his home ground as well. Other pacers Nathan Ellis and Arshdeep Singh have played the entire season and have picked wickets when needed by the team. Although, they have to keep their economy under check which has been on the higher side.

Impact Players

Prabhsimran Singh, Sikandar Raza, Matthew Short, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Singh Bhatia


Rajasthan Royals

Openers

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler

The dynamic duo of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler have been too good for the opposition whenever they have batted together for long at the start. Both of them have managed to provide Rajasthan with good starts.

Middle-order

Sanju Samson (c & wk), Joe Root, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer

Skipper Sanju Samson has done it with the bat a few times this season and if gets set, runs start to flow in with ease. But now, he needs to take full responsibility and ensure, he scores bulk of runs. Joe Root just had one opportunity to bat and he sure would be getting another game. Devdutt Padikkal has been used as a floater and generally, as an impact player. Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer have been the star performers in the death overs as they have thumped runs quickly.  

Bowling

Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal

Ashwin and Chahal have spun the ball well and they have picked wickets, however, they have to control their line and length on a high-scoring ground at Dharamshala. Trent Boult is likely to slot back in after missing the last game and hence, he is likely to replace Adam Zampa. Indian pacers Sandeep Sharma and KM Asif will be playing in this one as well.

Impact Players

Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Kuldip Yadav, Donavon Ferreira, Navdeep Saini