Key players to look out for in PBKS vs RR in IPL 2024

The 27th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is going to be intense! PBKS vs RR at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on April 13th. Right now, RR is doing great, sitting on top of the points table with 8 points from 5 matches. But PBKS needs a win desperately, as they’re at number 8 with just 4 points. Both teams have super talented players, and there are some exciting battles expected between them. Let’s check out the key players from PBKS and RR who could make a big difference in this game.

Punjab Kings (PBKS):

• Shikhar Dhawan (Captain): Shikhar Dhawan is the captain of Punjab Kings (PBKS) and a key player in their batting line-up. He’s been playing cricket for a long time and is good at scoring big runs, especially at the beginning of the innings. In the last IPL season, he scored 461 runs with a strike rate of 133.33, which means he can hit the ball hard and fast. His performance will be super important for PBKS in this match.
• Jonny Bairstow (Wicket-keeper Batsman): Jonny Bairstow is a wicket-keeper batsman for Punjab Kings (PBKS) and hails from England. He’s famous for his bold style of batting and his knack for dismantling bowling attacks. In the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he played a great innings but narrowly missed out on a big score. However, his ability to hit big shots quickly can change the course of a game in no time. 
• Liam Livingstone (All-rounder): Liam Livingstone is an all-rounder from England, is a dynamic player for Punjab Kings (PBKS). He brings a lot to the table – he can hit the ball hard, bowl tricky leg-spin, and is outstanding on the field. Even though he hasn’t had a standout performance yet in IPL 2024, his talent to turn the game around by himself is unquestionable. Keep an eye on him as he could be the game-changer in this match.
• Kagiso Rabada (Fast Bowler): Kagiso Rabada is the fast bowler from South Africa, is the main weapon in the bowling arsenal of Punjab Kings (PBKS). He bowls really fast and accurately, which makes it hard for batsmen to score runs against him. Rabada is particularly good at taking wickets early in the innings and also at stopping runs during the crucial death overs. His experience in handling pressure situations will be extremely valuable for PBKS in this match.
• Arshdeep Singh (Fast Bowler): Arshdeep Singh is a young fast bowler from India, has been catching everyone’s eye with his impressive swing and yorker deliveries. He’s really good at taking wickets early in the innings, especially during the powerplay overs when the fielding restrictions are in place. His knack for getting breakthroughs at important times can give Punjab Kings (PBKS) a strong start in the game. Arshdeep is eager to keep improving and show off his skills on such a big stage. Keep an eye on him as he could make a big impact in this match.

Rajasthan Royals (RR):

• Sanju Samson (Captain and Wicket-keeper Batsman): Sanju Samson is the captain and wicket-keeper batsman of Rajasthan Royals (RR), is a real powerhouse. He’s known for his stylish and inventive batting, which gives nightmares to bowlers. He’s currently the leading run-scorer for RR in IPL 2024. If Samson gets going, he can lead his team to a huge score with his big hitting and smart shot-making. Keep an eye on him as he could be the game-changer for RR in this match.
• Jos Buttler (Batsman): Jos Buttler is  the batsman from England, is known for his explosive batting in the IPL. He’s a master at hitting the ball out of the park with ease. Buttler’s bold batting style makes him a massive threat, especially when he opens the innings for Rajasthan Royals (RR). If he gets into his groove, the RR score can skyrocket in no time. Watch out for Buttler as he can change the game with his power-hitting abilities.
• Yuzvendra Chahal (Leg-spinner): Yuzvendra Chahal is the leg-spinner, is a real game-changer in the IPL. He’s known for picking up crucial wickets and keeping the runs in check during the middle overs. Chahal’s experience and skill make him a key player in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling attack. His past encounters against Punjab Kings (PBKS) batsmen could give RR an edge in this match. Keep an eye on Chahal as he could play a crucial role in controlling the game for RR in KKR vs RR.
• Trent Boult (Fast Bowler): Trent Boult is the seasoned left-arm pacer from New Zealand, adds swing and precision to the Rajasthan Royals (RR) bowling lineup. He’s known for his knack of taking early wickets, especially with the new ball, which can immediately put the opposition under pressure. Boult’s wealth of experience in playing big matches makes him a valuable asset for RR. Keep an eye on him as his early breakthroughs could be crucial for RR’s success in this match.

Key Player Battles to Watch:

The clash between PBKS vs RR is shaping up to be quite exciting, with some player battles that could really influence the result. Here are a few matchups to watch out for:

• Shikhar Dhawan vs Trent Boult:The battle between Shikhar Dhawan and Trent Boult will be a key matchup to watch out for in the upcoming clash between PBKS and RR. Dhawan, being the seasoned opener, will aim to counter Boult’s swing and accuracy in the early overs. His ability to handle the new ball and lay a strong foundation will be vital for PBKS’ innings. On the other hand, Boult will be eager to exploit any vulnerabilities in Dhawan’s technique and provide Rajasthan Royals with an early breakthrough. 
• Jonny Bairstow vs Yuzvendra Chahal: The showdown between Jonny Bairstow and Yuzvendra Chahal is definitely going to be a thrilling spectacle for the fans. Bairstow, known for his bold batting style, will face the challenge of countering Chahal’s crafty leg-spin variations. His capability to tackle Chahal’s unpredictability and rack up a big score will be crucial for PBKS’ success. Chahal, on the other hand, will aim to outsmart Bairstow with his guile and deceive him with his repertoire of tricks. 
• Liam Livingstone vs Riyan Parag: The face-off between Liam Livingstone and Riyan Parag is poised to be a pivotal moment in the match. Livingstone, with his explosive batting skill and handy leg-spin bowling, presents a formidable challenge for RR. His ability to unleash powerful shots and pick up wickets with his bowling will test RR’s resolve. On the other hand, Parag’s knack for matching Livingstone’s firepower and providing breakthroughs with his off-spin bowling will be crucial for RR’s fortunes. 
• Kagiso Rabada vs Jos Buttler: The clash between the express pace of Kagiso Rabada and the destructive batting of Jos Buttler is a classic showdown in T20 cricket. Rabada’s key role for PBKS will be to contain Buttler’s scoring rate and possibly dismiss him early, which could greatly impact the outcome of the match. However, Buttler, known for his bold batting, will be aiming to counter Rabada’s pace and capitalize on any loose deliveries to accumulate a significant number of runs. 
• Arshdeep Singh vs Sanju Samson: The battle between Arshdeep Singh and Sanju Samson is set to be an intriguing showdown in the match. Arshdeep, the young Indian pacer, will rely on his swing and yorkers to outsmart the flamboyant RR skipper. His capacity to either pick up early wickets or contain Samson’s scoring rate during the powerplay overs could give PBKS a crucial edge.  On the other hand, Samson, with his elegant strokeplay and innovative shots, will aim to counter Arshdeep’s bowling and provide RR with a flying start.