Kagiso Rabada missed the opening clash against Kolkata Knight Riders as he was committed to national duties in the IPL 2023. The South African missed the first game due to two-match ODI series against the Netherlands.
Nathan Ellis is likely to be benched tonight and Rabada will replace him. Both Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have won their first matches. Kagiso Rabada alongside Curran and Arshdeep Singh will create a quality pace attack.
Punjab looks like a settled team on paper, but it all depends on performance on the field. Punjab Kings are yet to win the IPL, having lost the Finals against Kolkata in 2014. PBKS will look to continue the winning moment against RR too, but this time around they face a bigger challenge and an in-form Rajasthan Royals.
Rajasthan Favourites in PBKS Clash
Rajasthan will start as favourites against Punjab Kings today, but one can expect a resilient match today. With Kagiso Rabada coming into the side, Punjab will make it difficult for Buttler and other in-form RR batters.
Punjab has a very experienced fast-bowling trio. Shikhar Dhawan and Co. edged a rain-curtailed encounter against KKR winning by 7 runs. Rajasthan will make it no easy for Punjab batsmen with bowlers like Boult and Holder in the side.
Trent Boult is yet to dismiss Jos Buttler in IPL. Boult picked 2 wickets in the very first over vs SRH, he will look to replicate the same vs Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals have a better side but the inclusion of Rabada in the Punjab side can make things interesting.
The last season’s finalists are yet again on a mission to clinch their 2nd IPL trophy since 2008. Punjab also has Rajapakse who can tackle spin well and play attacking cricket. Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings have produced some of the most thrilling matches over the last few years, and this one will be no short of entertainment.
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