IPL 2024: Predicting PBKS’ Playing XI for their clash against RR

Punjab Kings (PBKS) became the second team to crash out of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) playoff race after their 60-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). They are currently at the bottom of the points table with 8 points and will not be able to reach the cut-off point of 14 with only two matches remaining for them in the league stage. 

However, PBKS will have two goals, despite failing to make the playoffs, when they face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 65th match on Wednesday (May 15). 1). Avenged their last-over defeat to RR when the two met earlier in the season. 2). Spoil the other team’s party and bring the curtain down on the 2024 campaign on a positive note. 

Expect some changes in the PBKS line-up as they may give chances to benched players. Also, all-rounder Liam Livingstone left the PBKS camp on Monday due to national duty ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. What will be their team combination for the match of pride?

Here is the probable playing XI of Punjab Kings for match 65 of IPL 2024 against RR:

Openers: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Prabhsimran Singh

Jonny Bairstow has endured an inconsistent campaign so far in IPL 2024. He has played a couple of big knocks, but the rest of the time, he has been dismissed cheaply early in the innings. This will be his last match as he heads to England for World Cup preparations and he will be aiming to end it on a high note. 

Prabhsimran Singh’s story is no different from his opening partner. At times he will provide a quick start, but will often be dismissed cheaply. He has two more league games left this season to keep the management’s faith ahead of next year’s mega auction. 

Middle-order: Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma 

Rilee Rossouw was excellent in the last match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). PBKS had to chase down a mammoth total of 242 and the Proteas batter led the charge with a 27-ball 61. His blazing knock, however, ended in a losing cause but boosted their middle-order strength.

Shashank Singh’s batting position will change depending on the situation. The right-hander has been their most reliable batter this season. He has scored 352 runs at a staggering strike rate so far. Barring a few cameo, keeper-batter Jitesh Sharma hasn’t done anything impactful this season. Ashutosh Sharma was spectacular at the start, but he hasn’t played much role in the last few matches. Batting in the lower middle order, Ashutosh can find runs at a whopping strike rate. 

All-rounders: Sam Curran (c), Chris Woakes  

Sam Curran, the stand-in skipper of PBKS, has failed to shine this season. He was good with the ball till the halfway stage of the tournament, but lost the rhythm later on. With the bat, he has had a terrible campaign, accounting for the worst strike rate this season among batters who have faced more than 100 balls. 

Chris Woakes hasn’t got a chance to represent PBKS this season. However, with Liam Livingstone’s absence leaving an overseas spot, he is expected to feature in the XI for the upcoming match. An experienced campaigner, he can be efficient with both bat and bowl.

Bowlers: Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Harshal Patel is currently the joint-highest wicket-taker in this season with 20 wickets. Although he leaks a lot of runs, the right-arm pacer never fails to pick up wickets, especially in the death overs. Arshdeep Singh is another death bowling option for PBKS.

Although the left-arm pacer has taken 16 wickets so far, he has conceded huge economy in almost every match. Both will also get help from Vidhwath Kaverappa, who shone on his IPL debut in the last match against RCB. Rahul Chahar will be the lone spinner for Punjab. The leg-spinner has been impressive in recent matches and will look to carry on his fine form. 

PBKS XI: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sam Curran (c), Ashutosh Sharma, Chris Woakes, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh

Impact Substitute: Vidhwath Kaverappa

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