Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

RCB pose big challenge for patchy Punjab

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Punjab KKR
Punjab KKR
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IPL STROKES


PRANAV MEHTA


With almost every team having around eight games left, every team would like to get to winning ways, with the second half of the tournament, just around the corner.


Life's not easy, if you are a part of the Punjab King's camp. They might have played some quality cricket in patches, but the points table says six matches and four losses with just four points on board.


On the other hand, RCB have just lost one game out of six and stands comfortable in the top part of the qualifications queue. RCB are the team to beat this season. Harshal Patel and Glenn Maxwell have stunned everyone with their performances. Harshal holds the purple cap.


What's wrong with Punjab?


Punjab might have one of the most explosive sides in IPL, but their tentative game play is surely not helping. It's only matter of time that the world's number 1 T20 batsman will be given a slot.


Most Punjab players take time to get in and if they get out without get going, it creates a massive pressure.


What's expected for this game?


Both teams have played a game in Ahmedabad and while PBKS struggled a great deal against KKR, while RCB had a close encounter against DC, in a winning cause.


Punjab Kings should come all guns blazing and should be able to play some fearless cricket. This would seriously make them very dangerous. Although, it's not going to be easy to go after the in form RCB bowlers.


With the momentum that RCB is having, they should be able to put a lot of pressure on Punjab Kings and sneak through.


Who's left the IPL 2021?


RCB - Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa and Josh Phillippe have left due to personal reasons.


RR - Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes had to leave due to injuries, while Liam Livingston left due to bubble fatigue. Andre Tye, left due to the fear of being locked out of his own country.


Umpires - Nitin Menon and Paul Reiffel have pulled out over personal reasons.


DC - Ashwin left due to family concerns over Covid-19.


SRH - Mitchell Marsh was not ready to spend long time in bio bubbles, so he opted out.


CSK - Josh Hazlewood pulled out over pandemic concerns.


Rajasthan's concerns


Rajasthan Royals are massively affected with players leaving and they are already in discussion with many IPL teams for player loans. Although Rassie Van Der Dussen is waiting to get out of isolation to play for RR.


Jason Roy (SRH), Sam Billings (DC), Dawid Malan (PBKS), Lockie Ferguson (KKR), Mitchell Santner (CSK), Ben Cutting (KKR) & Jimmy Neesham (MI).


Meanwhile, RCB picked New Zealand pacer Scott Kuggelejin as a replacement to Kane Richardson. This should make RCB's squad even more stronger.


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