Preview
Rajasthan Royals, who are hanging by a thread, hope to make a late claim for a play-off berth as they take on Kings XI Punjab who are a winning streak at the moment. Rajasthan Royals have had a less than ideal time in IPL 2020 so far and have thrived on some individual brilliance. With their win over Mumbai last time and Ben Stokes finding form, Rajasthan look ready to take the fight to Punjab.
In the points table, Kings XI Punjab have made a constant rise with some commendable performances. After losing five of their first six games, Punjab won five on the trot and are favourites to make it to the play-offs. The KL Rahul-led side has some clinical batsmen and will pose a major threat for Rajasthan.
Team news and predicted XI
KXIP are expected to try and remain unchanged until they ensure qualification. As such, Chris Jordan, Glenn Maxwell and Mandeep Singh are expected to remain in an unchanged role. That said, Mayank Agarwal is likely fit for this game and will be brought in at the top if fit.
RR, on the other hand, might go in with a change on the bowling front with Ankit Rajpoot having a horror game. With Akash Singh in the bench, they might opt to bring him in for Rajpoot.
Predicted XIs
Rajasthan Royals
Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson (wk), Jos Buttler, Steven Smith (c), Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot, Kartik Tyagi
Kings XI Punjab
KL Rahul (c & wk), Mandeep Singh, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda/Mayank Agarwal, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Fantasy tips
- Abu Dhabi is a fast bowler’s paradise and RR have Archer and Tyagi in the wings, both of whom are good picks. Mohammed Shami is a must pick too with his wicket-taking ability.
- While Mayank Agarwal is a decent pick, it is safer to not captain him for this game even if he plays as he is just returning from injury.
- Ben Stokes, KL Rahul, Steven Smith, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami and Chris Gayle are must picks for this game.
- Nicholas Pooran has been one of the most impactful players this IPL and will be a good option to have in the middle-order.
- Shreyas Gopal and Rahil Tewatia are risky options with the powerful lefties in Kings XI’s middle-order.
Fantasy XI
KL Rahul
Sanju Samson
Nicholas Pooran
Chris Gayle
Robin Uthappa
Deepak Hooda
Ben Stokes
Jofra Archer
Mohammed Shami
Ravi Bishnoi
Chris Jordan
