–Bharath Ramaraj
Overview
In a long tournament, every team would want to start on a winning note. Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals – two sides that lock horns in an IPL game in Guwahati – have certainly done that, by beating Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their respective opening encounters.
The RR camp would have been pleased with their performance against SRH. The top-order engine room clicked, while Yuzvendra Chahal, their lead spinner, ran through SRH’s batting order. Trent Boult once again made the early incisions by picking up a couple of scalps in his first over. Having said that, RR could face a threat or two in their next game versus PBKS. Jos Buttler, who has a back-foot trigger movement, negated the threat of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, SRH’s swing bowler. Now he is set to face another in Arshdeep Singh. Buttler also has to find ways to negotiate Arshdeep’s left-arm angle. Till now, Buttler has collected just 21 runs off 20 balls against Arshdeep in T20s.
Meanwhile, it would be interesting to see Chahal’s strategy versus PBKS’ explosive batting order comprising Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan and Sikandar Raza. Shikhar Dhawan was the one batter not included in the above list. The reason is, in a line-up that has a clutch of aggressive batters, the think-tank seems to have earmarked him for the anchor role.
On the bowling side of things, with Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep in their ranks, PBKS seem to have the required arrows in the quiver to hurt the opposition. The duo would also offer enough variety. Rahul Chahar, who is set to be the main spinner, also has a key role to play.
Venue and time
Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. 7.30 PM IST.
Expected conditions and toss
The last T20I that was played at this ground between India and South Africa turned out to be a run-fest as 458 runs were scored in total. The dew played a major role in that match. The weather report for tomorrow’s match predicts 75 percent humidity. So we could be in for another game where dew comes into the equation. The team winning the toss is set to bowl first.
Possible XIs and Impact Player Watch
Depending on the flip of the coin, RR might end up subbing a batter and picking a hit-the-deck pacer like Kuldeep Sen. RR could also look at leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin as an option. On the other hand, PBKS could settle for all-rounder Rishi Dhawan.
Punjab Kings: Shikhar Dhawan (C), Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Kagiso Rabada.
Rajasthan Royals: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C, WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Jason Holder, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, KM Asif.