We take a look at Tuesday’s IPL clash between the Rajasthan Royals and the Kings XI Punjab taking place at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
The Rajasthan Royals have not enjoyed a happy return to the IPL and prop up the standings with just three wins from nine games.
The Kings XI Punjab, meanwhile, are enjoying a fine campaign and could further cement their place in the top four with a win in Jaipur.
RR vs KXI Punjab | Tuesday 7 May | Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | 16:30
To Win Match
Rajasthan Royals 21/20
Tie 35/1
Kings XI Punjab 72/100
Rajasthan Royals
The Royals have endured a below-par 2018 so far and look dead and buried as far as securing a play-off place goes. They’re rock bottom of the standings with six points and are in possession of the worst net run rate in the competition.
Their cause this season hasn’t been helped by the absence of Steve Smith, although they really should be doing better with the players at their disposal. Neither Ben Stokes nor Jaydev Unadkat have lived up to their massive price-tags at auction and continue to disappoint.
Stokes has only managed two wickets and averaged a meagre 17.77 with the bat – not good enough for – dollar for dollar – the best all-rounder in the competition. Unadkat has had his own struggles with the ball. His bowling average of 42.28 is laughably bad, and it therefore comes as no surprise to see his tournament economy almost touching 10.
They’ll need their top order to get all of the runs once again heading into this tie. Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson and Ajinkya Rahane have been fantastic at the top of the order, however, D’Arcy Short has struggled in his debut IPL campaign, failing to recapture the form which saw him dominate the Big Bash earlier in the year.
Kings XI Punjab
The Kings XI know that they have the edge coming into this match following their win over Tuesday’s opposition on Sunday. They made pretty short work of the Royals’ total, eventually winning after 18.4 overs.
KL Rahul was once again the star man for the franchise after top scoring with a 54-ball 84. He was ably supported by Karun Nair and Marcus Stoinis as Brad Hodge’s men claimed their sixth win of what has been a marvellous campaign.
They’ll be looking for another big performance from Afghan rookie, Mujeeb Ur Rahman. The 17-year-old has been one of the standout players in this tournament so far and has been on par with his countryman Rashid Khan. Of course, the two more conventional spinners – Ravi Ashwin and Axar Patel – have also chipped in with useful performances of late.
All in all, the Kings XI look to have fantastic balance about them right now. Their Indian core has been fantastic while their international players have all contributed meaningfully. I reckon this group of players could go all the way this year.
Verdict: Kings XI Punjab 72/100
The Kings XI come into this match fresh off a victory over the Royals. There’s nothing to suggest that we’ll see a different result come Tuesday. Take the men from Mohali to claim the points here at 72/100.
