Kings XI Punjab have been the team to beat in the tournament and has so far not put a foot wrong in the tournament. Thyy have batted brilliantly, done the job with the ball in hand and have been outstanding in the field. Their all round display in the field is the reason why they are sitting pretty at the top of the table and in all likelihood are the favourites to win the tournament. Rajasthan Royals on the other hand has had a mixed tournament so far and if they don’t qualify to the play-offs from here on. They only have themselves to blame it on.
Here is a look at the players to watch out for in the match between Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals:
Kings XI Punjab
Virender Sehwag: Virender Sehwag has had a pretty good tournament with the bat in hand but does not have more than one big score to show for in the tournament. He has got off to a start in every match so far but has failed to capitalize on the starts and the match against Rajasthan Royals might just turn out to be his day with the bat in hand.
Manan Vohra: Vohra is one of the most talented players in the country and he has shown every one why he is one of the emerging players to watch out for. Vohra’s form with the bat has also been pretty good as he just like Sehwag has got off to a start but has failed to transform that into a big one. With the kind of ability he has it is just a matter of time before he gets his act together and gets that big score we all have been waiting for Kings Xi Punjab.
Mitchel Johnson: Johnson can rattle any batsmen with his pace and when he gets it swing with that pace it becomes almost unplayable making life difficult for the batters. Johnson has been expensive with the ball in hand so far in the tournament but a bowler like him will always be dangerous for any side as he can literally run through a side before even they can realise it.
Sandeep Sharma: Sandeep Sharma has been a real find for India as well as for Kings Xi Punjab in this tournament. Sharma is young and enthusiastic and has the ability to swing the ball both ways which can trouble any batsmen in the world. He has a knack of picking up early wickets which can always set up the match for Kings XI Punjab.
Rajasthan Royals
Shane Watson: Watson has had a quiet tournament so far with the bat in hand and would be looking to come good against Kings XI Punjab which can secure them a place in the play-offs. Watson can be destructive with the bat and can take the match away from the opposition withing a matter of couple of overs.
Steven Smith: Smith is a dangerous player coming lower down the order and can score runs very quickly. His presence in the middle will give the dressing room a lot of assurance and as long as he is there Royals can post a big score or chase down any target.
Pravin Tambe: The 42 year-old veteran leg-spinner seems to have all the tricks in his kitty to bamboozle the batsmen and his dream run with the ball in hand continues to give Royals the edge against most of the opponents.
Kevin Cooper: Cooper has not been a regular with the Royals this season but as we come to the business end of the tournament and with the pitches slowing down as the tournament progresses Cooper with his slower ones might just turn out to be the trump card for the Royals.
photo:iplt20.com
By Sajal Kumar Patra
Indian Sports News Network
