Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) began their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 campaign on Monday when the face off at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.
RR yet again begin their season with one of their key players injured, this time in form of Jofra Archer. The England pacer has had issues with his right elbow and will at least miss the opening four matches of Rajasthan. His absence will affect RR who will miss out on experience in the pace department.
They got Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman at the IPL 2021 auction. These two fast bowlers will have to step up if RR want to make the cut to playoffs in the fourteenth edition of the league.
PBKS captain KL Rahul, the side has recruited some exciting players for this season who will be interesting to watch. Over the years, Rajasthan and Punjab have played 21 matches between them in which Rajasthan has won 12 while Punjab has won 9. In the last season, RR got the better of Punjab on both the occasions. Both of them have developed a fancied rivalry over the years and it will be interesting to see how PBKS counter this threat.
Sanju Samson, albeit a new captain, is clear about his leadership role with the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League. The wicket keeper-batsman was appointed captain after the franchise released Steve Smith from the squad.
Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul enjoyed an exemplary outing with the willow in IPL 2020, although unfortunately, the erstwhile Kings XI Punjab failed to make any comprehensive impact. Skipper Rahul would be hoping to emulate his from last season and continue the hunt for their maidaen IPL title
Tonight encounter, It will be Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings.