PBKS vs RR Preview: Punjab & Rajasthan gear up for a blockbuster rivalry

The action will continue in the Indian Premier League 2024 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on each other in Match 27 on Saturday, April 13 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. Punjab are coming into the game having lost their previous fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

They started their campaign with a four-wicket win over Delhi Capitals. But, suffered back-to-back losses against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). However, the Shikhar Dhawan-led side made a good comeback with a thrilling three-wicket win over Gujarat Titans.

After five matches, Punjab is ranked in the eighth spot on the points table with two wins and four points. On the other hand, Rajasthan are also coming into the fixture having suffered their first loss of the season against Gujarat Titans in their previous fixture.

The Sanju Samson-led side started the season with four consecutive victories against LSG, Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI), and RCB respectively. As a result, they find themselves on the top of the points table with eight points from five matches.

Having faced losses in their respective last fixtures, both teams will be eager to bounce back to winning ways. Punjab will look for a much-needed third win of the season. While Rajasthan will be eager to maintain their top position with a fifth victory.

Head to Head

Pitch Report

There have been a total of two matches played at the venue so far, with one each being won by teams batting and bowling first. The average first innings score has been 178 while the highest target chased has been 175. The captain winning the toss is likely to bat first and will look to post a huge score.

Probable Playing XI

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Nandre Burger, Yuzvendra Chaha