Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has begun in grand style, with 3 highly exciting and enthralling matches already. In Match 4 of this cash-rich league, Rajasthan Royals (RR) play against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and this promises to be a crackerjack of a contest. While Rajasthan Royals have been trophyless since 2009, Punjab are still on the quest for their maiden IPL title. KL Rahul and Sanju Samson are the two skippers who will be locking horns against each other in this match. In this article, we dive deep into the probable playing XI of the Punjab franchise in the first game:
Chris Gayle might start with KL Rahul
Hard-hitting Caribbean opener Chris Gayle is known for his batting exploits in the tournament. He has a prolific record in the IPL and can strike sixes with absolute ease. Last season Gayle didn’t start for Punjab in the initial few games and that costed them dearly. With the match being played at Wankhede Stadium, which is a batting paradise, Gayle will be crucial to the Punjab team’s fortunes.
Punjab might opt for Jhye Richardson
Punjab Kings had broken the bank at the IPL 2021 auctions. They had got hold off the services of Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith for whopping prices of 14 crores and 8 crores, respectively. However keeping in mind the 4 overseas combination limit, Punjab might opt for a more balanced side and take Moises Henriques into the team. They might take in Jhye Richardson ahead of Riley Meredith because of his antics in the Big Bash League. He had finished as the highest wicket-taker in the last season.
Ravi Bishnoi to be only specialist spinner in Playing XI
The red-soil at Wankhede mostly favours seamers and that is the reason why the Punjab franchise may go ahead with only one spinner in the form of Ravi Bishnoi. Bishnoi is a wily leg-spinner and can bowl good googlies too. The spinners of the previous game were belted for runs and thus it would be a wise decision for the Punjab franchise to stick with one spinner.
Shahrukh Khan might debut for Punjab Kings
Shahrukh Khan has been making rapid strides in domestic cricket. He was bought for a huge price of 5.25 crores and is a valuable player. The all-rounder from Tamil Nadu can bowl a couple of overs too and is a good off-spinner. He is also a swashbuckling batsman with the power and expertise to score runs at a massive Strike Rate.
Probable Playing XI of Punjab Kings
KL Rahul (c, w/k), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Moises Henriques, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Jhye Richardson