IPL 2021: PBKS vs RR – Match 32 - Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

Two teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), who have failed to display a consistent brand of cricket meet each other in match 32 of the UAE leg of the IPL. While Rajasthan Royals have managed to win the inaugural edition of the IPL, Punjab Kings have yet to lay their hands at the trophy. The team came with a name change during the 14th edition of the T20 league but have failed to collectively play as a unit.

 The overreliance on skipper KL Rahul has not helped the team to post good scores onboard on more occasions than one. During the first half, the team managed to just win three games and currently placed sixth on the points table. With only six matches left, the Kings would be hoping to have a quick turnaround and like to have some momentum going in the UAE leg of the IPL. 

The PBKS have also added three new players in the form of Aiden Markram, Adil Rashid, and Nathan Ellis. The bowling was a worry during the first half of the IPL and they would love to fix that.

 Meanwhile, their opponent Rajasthan Royals are placed sixth on the points table with three wins. The franchise were unlucky in missing out on players like Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes. But that didn’t stop them from producing some new talents such as Chetan Sakariya and Karthik Tyagi, who performed well. Also, the team did well under new leader Sanju Samson. He more than ably shouldered the responsibility and handled his resources well.

He was well supported by Chris Morris, who picked up 14 wickets in seven games. But Morris and Samson would love to expect the others to chip in and contribute to the team’s cause. RR have added Tabraiz Shamsi and Glenn Phillips to the team. While the South African spinner provides an extra spin option, Phillips comes with a reputation for giving the ball a real whack. The match promises to be a fascinating contest between two unpredictable teams in the IPL.

Pitch Report

The PBKS vs RR match is going to take place in Dubai, a pitch that generally favors the teams chasing. Overall, 88 matches have been won by teams batting second as supposed to 78 while batting first. But if the recent matches are anything to go by, then teams have won more batting first owing to pitch getting slow. Samson and Rahul like chasing and it would be interesting to see what the skippers do after winning the toss.

 Playing XI

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

KL Rahul (captain/wicketkeeper), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

Rajasthan Royals

Sanju Samson (captain/wicketkeeper), Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal/Manan Vohra, David Miller, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Mustafizur Rahman/Tabraiz Shamsi, Chetan Sakariya

Key Players 

Mayank Agarwal

While Rahul does the bulk of the run-scoring, the contribution of Mayank Agarwal is also key in giving PBKS a good start upfront. Agarwal can bat briskly and help ease the burden of Rahul’s shoulders. He can also play the sheet anchor’s role to perfection, as was evidenced during his innings against Delhi Capitals in the first half of the IPL. Agarwal can play attacking strokes and is a good player of spin. With the Royals having Gopal and Shamsi up their sleeve, The PBKS opener can tackle them well by using his feet well and rotating strike in the middle overs.

Sanju Samson

Lot rest on the shoulders of young leader Sanju Samson. He started his captaincy on near-perfect style by scoring a 100, only to be denied victory by PBKS in the end. But clearly, the pressure of leadership has brought the best of him. Samson was also smart in his captaincy moves and decent behind the stumps. If he starts well, then RR have a good chance of winning the game. Also, his contribution upfront can help the likes of Miller and Morris to bat freely at the end. Samson has so far scored 277 runs in seven games.