The Rajasthan Royals will begin their Indian Premier Leauge 2019 campaign against Kings XI Punjab at their home venue of Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur. Subsequently, both teams will aim to get off to a good start in their season opener. Meanwhile, Sportzwiki brings you the latest Pitch Report of Sawai Man Singh Stadium.
Rajasthan Royals had qualified for the playoff stages of the previous stages whereas Kings XI Punjab had failed to get to the last four of the season. In fact, they had got off to a fine start as they had won five matches out of the first seven matches. However, they had veered off the track in the second phase of the season as they could only manage one win in the next seven matches.
Both teams will like to get off to a good start.
Meanwhile, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke believes the pitch would be good for batting in his Pitch Report. In fact, Clarke believes Royals will have an advantage as they have Jofra Archer in their line-up, who is generally right on the money in the death overs.
“Could be a little two-paced. Some dry areas, and some grassy areas, but don’t be fooled – in sultry weather like in Jaipur, pitches play better than they look like. It’s going to be pretty good for batting. The key for RR will be Jofra Archer. He can be extremely effective at death. He’s got an extra 10ks compared to every other fast bowler and that’ll make things tough at the death for the Kings XI,” Michael Clarke said while talking in the Pitch Report.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane had led with aplomb in the previous season. Former Australian skipper Steven Smith is also back in the Rajasthan Royals playing XI. David Warner had made an impressive comeback in the IPL. Similarly, Steven Smith will be looking to hit the ground running for the Royals.
In fact, Royals have talisman all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer in their line-up. Furthermore, Jos Buttler had played a key role as he had scored five back to back fifties in the previous season to help his team reach playoff stages.