Kolkata: The much-anticipated second leg of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has begun in the United Arab Emirates. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in the middle of the playoff race, which is already shaping up to be a thrilling contest. As Rajasthan Royals will be playing against Punjab Kings at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday around 7:30 IST.
Both the Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings have six points, but the latter has played one more match. While RR were in fifth place in the points table before the second leg began, having won three of their seven matches. However, when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Monday, they have fallen a spot. PBKS have played eight matches and won just three, losing five.
The Rajasthan Royals will be without a couple of key players for the balance of the season. Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Jos Buttler, three England superstars, will all miss the UAE leg of the IPL 2021, which will be a huge blow for a team that has had a promising start.
Rajasthan, on the other hand, still has plenty of firepower in the form of Sanju Samson, David Miller, and Liam Livingstone.
Punjab Kings alongside would seek to skipper KL Rahul once more. If Punjab Kings are to qualify for the playoffs, Rahul, who has been one of the most reliable batsmen in recent seasons, will have to be at his best once more.
PBKS vs RR Probable Playing XIs
Punjab Kings: KL Rahul (w/c), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Fabian Allen, Ravi Bishnoi, Nathan Ellis, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh
Rajasthan Royals: Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson(w/c), Liam Livingstone, Anuj Rawat, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Chetan Sakariya, Jaydev Unadkat, Tabraiz Shamsi
