Match prediction: RR to win v PBKS in IPL 2023
Toss prediction: RR to win the toss and bat first
Rajasthan Royals will lock horns with Punjab Kings in Match 8 of the Indian Premier League 2023 at Guwahati. It will be the first IPL game for Guwahati, which will serve as the home ground for the Royals. Read our in-depth preview for all teams ahead of the RR vs PBKS match.
- Date & Time: April 5, 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Contents
RR vs PBKS match preview
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals are off to a sublime start in the IPL 2023. They faced Sunrisers Hyderabad in their previous outing and won by 72 runs. Batting first, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson scored fifties for RR and helped them post 203 on the board.
Also Read: IPL predictions
Afterwards, Trent Boult cleaned up the top-order, while Yuzvendra Chahal's magical spin bowling caused havoc to pave the way for Royals to a dominating win.
They are unlikely to make a change in their Playing XI due to a dominating victory.
RR Possible 11: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings secured a seven-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders in their last outing. The spirited efforts from Shikhar Dhawan (50) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (40) helped them post 191 on the board.
Although the bowlers were put under the pump, PBKS managed to seal a victory by DLS method. The left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh bagged three wickets.
Kings are likely to see a change in their XI, as Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone will join the squad ahead of this game.
PBKS Possible 11:
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza/Liam Livingstone, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Pitch and expected weather conditions
The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati hosted the IND-SA game in October 2022 and saw both teams hitting 200, which clearly indicates that it is a belter of a surface. Here, the variations by the bowlers will be key to taking wickets, otherwise they will be taken to cleaners.
RR vs PBKS Dream11 prediction
Wicket keepers: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Bhanuka Rajapaksa
Batters: Shikhar Dhawan, Yashavi Jaiswal
All-rounders: Sam Curran
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult
Recommended captain: Jos Buttler
Recommended vice-captain: Yuzvendra Chahal
Jos Buttler, the Orange Cap holder of the last season started off the season with a terrific fifty, and is the number one pick. The RR skipper Sanju Samson showed maturity in his knock and solidified RR's innings.
The southpaw, Bhanuka Rajapaksa helped the PBKS to generate momentum with his positive mindset, and can be picked in the team. Alongside him will be Shikhar Dhawan, PBKS’ reliable run-scorer. Then Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hit a fifty in the first game deserves a place in the side.
Sam Curran took the most important wicket of Andre Russell against KKR, and is a key partnership breaker. Also, he can be handy in the middle-order.
Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar are in good form and should be the bowling options from PBKS. Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult are the finest picks from RR side, who are expected to be key wicket-takers.
Match prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win
2022 runner-up Rajasthan Royals have the required ammunition under their armory to hunt down the Kings in this game. RR’s batting unit with positive intent is quite dangerous, while an experienced bowling department can trouble the PBKS team. However, the Shikhar Dhawan-led side will be upbeat with Kagiso Rabada’s presence, and are likely to play an aggressive brand of cricket.
Toss prediction: RR to win the toss and bat first
Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals are predicted to win the toss and choose to bat first. Generally, the Royals have preferred to post totals on the board and then defend the scores. They trust their experienced bowling unit, that is bolstered by Jason Holder in this season.
Man of the match prediction: Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler looks like a good candidate for Player of the Match award owing to his impressive track record for Rajasthan Royals. With a riveting knock of 54 off 22 balls, the England T20I skipper is likely to continue his dominance in the league and help RR get off to a good start in this game.
Betting odds
Rajasthan Royals: 1.75
Punjab Kings: 2.12
Rajasthan Royals hold the edge in terms of betting odds over Punjab Kings. This is due to their track record in the tournament, and also their dominating victory in the first game. They look like a well-rounded unit, who are likely to prevail over Kings in this encounter.
