Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab, Indian Premier League (IPL), Today Match Prediction 25 Mar 2019

rr vs kxip Match Prediction & Analysis

IPL season has started, and it is the biggest T20 league in the cricketing circuit with big names participating in the league. Rajasthan Royals are led by Indian batsmen Ajinkya Rahane. Royals had an average season last year, but they qualified for the playoffs last year. Steve Smith returns to the squad after his ban ended. All rounder Ben stokes, and Jos Butler will be their batting mainstays. They have likes of Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi, Shreyas Gopal and Manan Vohra in the Indian batting talent group. Bowlers Jaydev unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni along with Jofra archer and Oshane Thomas will make the core pace bowling department of the team. They are very futile with spin bowling resources with Ish Sodhi and Krishnapa Gowtham as established players. Royals have good back options with names like Aston Turner, Stuart Binny and Liam Livingstone in their squad.

Kings XI Punjab has an excellent start to the season last year but ended up outside the top four in the points table to everyone`s disbelief. Chris Gayle and KL Rahul form a destructive duo at the top and are their best batsmen last season. Indian batsmen in middle order such as Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair and Mandeep Singh needs to step up and perform to their potential. Skipper Ashwin and Sam Curran will take up role of finisher in the side. They have well balanced bowling attack with variety of spin and pace options. Rookie mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy joins the ranks of Ravichandran Ashwin and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye and Hardus Viljoin will form the pace bowling attack of the side.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Rajasthan Royals Preview

Key Players:

Ajinkya Rahane – Rahane has often blamed for his strike rate in the limited overs format. He needs to step up his scoring rate and prove his worth in this season. 

Jaydev Unadkat – Unadkat has been one of the biggest buys for them this year too. He needs to live up to the expectations and play exceedingly well.

Stats from the Previous season:

Jos Buttler – 548 runs, Avg- 55, Strike rate – 155, HS – 95*, 50s–5

Jofra Archer – 15 wickets at an economy of 8.4 RPO (BB -3/22) 

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI:

Ajinkya Rahane(C), Jos Buttler, Steven Smith, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Manan Vohra, K Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Rajasthan Royals Actual Playing XI:

Ajinkya Rahane, K Gowtham, Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, JD Unadkat, Jofra Chioke Archer, SV Samson, Jos Buttler, DS Kulkarni, S Gopal, RA Tripathi

Kings XI Punjab Preview

Key Players:

KL Rahul – KL Rahul has an excellent last IPL, but his form declined after it. He needs to replicate his last year`s form to help his team`s chances for victory.

Varun Chakravarthy – After his high price tag in auctions, everyone will be waiting to watch the mystery spinner Varun closely. He is reported to have seven variations and let`s wait till he unveils them.

Stats from the Previous season:

Kane Williamson – 659 runs, Avg- 55, Strike rate – 158, HS – 95*, 50s–6 

Andre Tye – 24 wickets at an economy of 8 RPO (BB – 4/16) - Purple Cap winner

Kings XI Punjab Predicted Playing XI:

Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, David Miller, Ankit Rajpoot, R Ashwin, Varun Chakravarthy, Andrew Tye, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rahman

Kings XI Punjab Actual Playing XI:

AS Rajpoot, Sarfaraz Khan, Chris Gayle, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Lokesh Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, M Singh, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mayank Agarwal, Sam Curran

Weather Conditions

Jaipur pitch is one of the slow pitches in IPL and slower bowlers may enjoy bowling here. Slower balls and back of hand deliveries may grip from the pitch and are tough to score. Batsmen may find it easier once they are set. Average score in this pitch is around 150-170 runs.

Toss: WIN the toss, BAT First

The pitch tends to slow down more as the match progresses so both teams will look to bat first and use the favorable conditions. The night match may cause chasing under lights more difficult.