The third fixture of phase two of IPL 2021 features a matchup between the bottom half placed teams in the standings. Punjab Kings will take on Rajasthan Royals in Dubai today.
Both the teams have been extremely inconsistent during the first phase and as a result, they need to win majority of their fixtures to make it into the playoffs. Moving forward let’s take a look at both the teams and try to predict the outcome.
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Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings had a terrible first half of the tournament in India earlier this year. The team was heavily dependent on their captain KL Rahul and it proved to be a big reason for their downfall. However, a change in conditions could help Punjab rack up a win against Rajasthan who is missing quite a few stars.
Rajasthan Royals
With injuries and crucial players missing out, Rajasthan Royals have suffered a huge blow ahead of their first fixture of IPL 2021. Their bowling attack has performed extremely well but the inconsistent batting performance is the reason why they are in the bottom half of the table. In the end, it would be interesting to see how Rajasthan Royals lines up today.
Prediction for the IPL 2021 match between Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals
In this clash between the bottom half of the table, Punjab Kings have a better chance of winning this contest against Royals. This is because RR are missing Buttler, Stokes and Archer due to injuries and other reasons. Hence the inexperience in the lineup could cost them this game against Punjab Kings.
Fantasy XI Team
KL Rahul – 11 Cr (Captain)
Punjab Kings Captain and Wicket Keeper KL Rahul has been the most consistent player in the IPL over the last two years. Moreover, he is the second highest run getter as of now in this season’s IPL. As a result, he is an obvious choice for the captain in this fixture.
Chris Morris 9 Cr (Vice Captain)
Chris Morris has been exceptional for Rajasthan this season as he has picked up 14 wickets in 7 games and is tied with Avesh Khan on the second spot for the purple cap. Besides his pinch hitting ability adds great value and thus I have made him the vice captain in my fantasy lineup.
Ravi Bishnoi – 8.5 Cr
Ravi Bishnoi had an excellent IPL in UAE last year and fans can expect something similar with the Punjab bowler during phase two of IPL 2021. Moreover, he is a great option on this pitch against RR today.
Mohammed Shami – 9 Cr
Mohammed Shami had a decent first phase of IPL 2021 and a change in environment is the best thing for him and PBKS. The Dubai pitch will help the seamer trouble the shaky top order of RR and hence he is a great fast bowling option.
Shahrukh Khan – 8 Cr
Shahrukh Khan is a great budget option for this matchup. He is a type of player that can hold the innings and as we all know Punjab is a top-heavy batting line-up and can collapse anytime. With the Dubai pitch assisting bowlers early on, he is a good option in the batting department.
Chris Gayle – 9.5 Cr
Over the years there has been no player who was more destructive than Chris Gayle. Moreover, Dubai is a batting friendly wicket if a player gets set. Hence the West Indian is a great option in the batting department.
Liam Livingstone – 9 Cr
Liam Livingstone may make the playing XI for RR today. This is mainly due to the fact that the English batsman has been in terrific form in the 100 and other T20 tournaments. With the Rajasthan lineup fairly inconsistent, Livingstone is a good all-round option in the middle of the order.
Sanju Samson 9.5 Cr
With big players like Buttler and Stokes out, Rajasthan Royals captain Samson will have to lead from the front with the bat. He performed very well in the initial phase of IPL 2021 and it is likely that he would play a big innings today.
Rahul Tewatia 9 Cr
Rahul Tewatia’s leg spin can come in handy against the Punjab top order. Along with his bowling, the Royals player has shown some good power hitting in the death overs. Thus Tewatia has become a crucial player in RR’s success in the last few seasons.
Chetan Sakariya 8.5 Cr
Chetan Sakariya was the find of the first phase of IPL 2021. The fast bowler is a good pick considering his place in the lineup is pretty much confirmed.
Yashasvi Jaiswal 8.5 Cr
After a few stutters, uring the initial matches of IPL 2021, Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown the composure to open the innings and give Rajasthan some good starts. Hence he can replicate what Ruturaj Gaikwad did for Csk and play a match winning innings for RR.
