Match Preview: Kings XI Punjab v Rajasthan Royals
Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals are the two sides which genuinely believe in the term “young and unexplored talent”. These two sides have time and again provided us with some fresh faces, who have entertained viewers with their sparkling performances.
On the 10th of April, the two teams will lock horns at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune. It may seem entirely weird, but Pune is indeed the “home” venue for the Kings XI Punjab. A team based in the heart of North India playing its home game in the West, that’s some variety, folks! The teams look settled at this moment. The one common aspect about both the teams is that their overseas players are mostly Australians, who are fresh from a great World Cup triumph. If the Kings XI have Maxwell, then the Royals have the Australian run machine Steve Smith. David Miller of Punjab is countered by James Faulkner of the Royals. All in all, the battle between the Royals and the Kings XI is a highly awaited one.
PREVIOUS CLASHES:
In the 2014 edition, the two sides clashed with each other twice. On both the occasions, it were the Kings XI, who got the better of the Royals. Both the encounters were high scoring ones. In the first match played at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, the Kings XI chased down 191 in just 18.4 overs. The Maxwell-Miller show simply ripped apart the Royals bowlers. The duo shared 12 sixes between them and Maxwell was the Man of the Match for his knock of 89 off 45.
In the second clash, the Kings XI tested their bench strength, and everyone in the batting contributed equally. The target of 180 was always way too much for the Royals, who scratched their way to 163. The Man of the Match in that game was Shaun Marsh.
KEY PLAYERS:
VIRENDER SEHWAG:
The India discard might be wearing glasses now-a-days, but his ability to tear apart the bowlers still remains intact. Sehwag’s blazing starts will be crucial for Punjab’s success in this IPL. The Pune wicket is a batting paradise for set batsmen, and Sehwag already has a 50+ score here. So, if Sehwag stays in till the 6th over, then expect some fireworks!
GLENN MAXWELL:
The Man of the Tournament of the previous IPL has been in riveting form. He was a key pillar for the Australians in the recently concluded World Cup. His quick bat speed and clean hitting brought a lot of success for Punjab in the previous IPL. He was an enigma for the men from Punjab. His contribution in the middle overs will be the difference for Punjab. Fireworks from Maxwell will mean a major advantage to the Kings.
STEVE SMITH:
The young Aussie batting sensation has found unbelievable success batting at no.3. Against the Kings XI, Smith is expected to bat at no.3 once again. Smith’s presence will guide the batting prowess of the Rajasthan Royals. His ability to counter Mitchell Johnson will be significant. With skipper Watson not in the best of form, the onus will be on Smith to deliver.
JAMES FAULKNER:
This free spirited Kangaroo has been in the headlines ever since he burst onto the scene. Faulkner has done literally everything for the Royals. From taking 5 fors to finishing the games with big hits, Faulkner is capable of handling any pressure. His canny bowling against the likes of Maxwell and Miller will be crucial. So will his batting against the likes of Mitchell Johnson and Axar Patel. When this Aussie connects, the ball often goes out of the park!
PROBABLE XI:
KINGS XI PUNJAB:
1. Virender Sehwag 2. M. Vohra/M. Vijay 3. W. Saha (wk) 4. G. Bailey 5. G. Maxwell 6. D. Miller 7. R. Dhawan 8. A. Patel 9. M. Johnson 10. S. Sharma 11. P. Awana
RAJASTHAN ROYALS:
1. A. Rahane 2. K. Nair 3. S. Smith (c) 4. S. Samson (wk) 5. Tim Southee 6. J. Faulkner 7. S. Binny 8. R. Bhatia 9. C. Morris 10. P. Tambe 11. D. Kulkarni
Match Prediction: Kings XI Punjab should trounce Rajasthan Royals on basis of powerful middle-order.