The eighteenth edition of the Indian Premier League is going to get its first North-Western neighbours clash in match 18 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Punjab. Both teams will look to win the important clash and keep their winning momentum going as the tournament marches forward. Punjab Kings currently sit at the pole
position having won both of their opening encounters against Gujrat Titans and Lucknow Supergiants. RR, on the other side, are placed in the 9th position, having lost two of their last three games. Punjab and Rajasthan have clashed against each other on the previous 28 occasions. Rajasthan holds the bragging rights in this rivalry with 16 victories under their belt
compared to Punjab’s 12. Since the game is going to be hosted in Punjab which historically has been a batter’s paradise, both the teams will hope their batsmen rise to the occasion and help their team cross the line.
Here is the list of three batters to watch out for in this much-heated contest.
3. Priyansh Arya

The 24-year-old left-handed batter has impressed everyone with his first two matches for Punjab. His ability to hit boundaries at will against both pacers and spinners is what earned him his place in the team. The left-hander thrashed 47 runs in the tournament opener against Gujrat at a strike rate of over 200. Rajasthan Royals would require their bowlers to dismiss him early to gain early momentum in the match.
2. Nitish Rana

The former KKR skipper announced his return to form against Chennai Super Kings with a blistering knock of 81 runs in just 36 balls. With the new role as a number three batter, Nitish would try to make the most of the form he gained after a quiet start to the tournament. The strong technical aspects of his game are sure to help him against the likes of Arshdeep and Marco Jansen.
1. Shreyas Iyer

The newly appointed skipper of Punjab Kings has been a menace for the bowlers so far this season. Shreyas Iyer has smashed half-centuries in both the matches he has played so far at an astonishing strike rate of over 200. The destructive batter is yet to get out in this tournament and has already accumulated 150 runs in just 2 innings. Shreyas will have his eyes set on the orange cap when he takes his crease against Rajasthan.