Match Details:
- Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
- Guwahati, India (2:00 PM GMT)
The Rajasthan Royals, despite three straight losses, are still in contention for the top two spots in the IPL playoffs. However, they’ll need to find their winning ways again against a Punjab Kings team already eliminated from the playoffs.
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Key Questions for Rajasthan:
- Who replaces Jos Buttler? Buttler’s departure for England leaves a big hole at the top of the order. Tom Kohler-Cadmore, a seasoned T20 player in other leagues but unproven in India, or Dhruv Jurel, who usually opens in domestic cricket, are potential replacements.
Expected Playing XIs:
- Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore (debut?), Sanju Samson (c, wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer (if fit), Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal, Nadre Burger/Rovman Powell/Keshav Maharaj (Impact Player)
- Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma, Sam Curran (c), Harshal Patel, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Vidwath Kaverappa/Harpreet Brar (Impact Player)
Players in Spotlight:
- Riyan Parag: The local Guwahati boy returns in top form, aiming to build on his recent success. He’s close to becoming the season’s second-highest run-scorer.
- Jitesh Sharma: India’s former T20 keeper-batter, struggling for runs, has a chance to redeem himself before the season ends.
Matchup Stats to Watch:
- Arshdeep Singh has a good record against Jaiswal, but struggles against Rovman Powell.
- Trent Boult has his worst IPL bowling average against Punjab Kings.
- Yuzvendra Chahal’s form has dipped recently, with fewer wickets and a higher economy rate.
- Sanju Samson is close to a milestone of 300 T20 sixes.
Pitch and Conditions:
This is the first IPL match at Guwahati this season. Both previous games here saw the team batting first win. There’s a chance of thunderstorms, but the weather might improve later.