Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are set to face each other at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, marking the first time that the Indian Premier League (IPL) being played in north-east India. The Royals were supposed to play in Guwahati in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic caused those plans to be cancelled.
However, Kagiso Rabada has joined the squad after completing South Africa’s ODI series against the Netherlands on April 2, and may replace Nathan Ellis in the XI if he is ready to go. Meanwhile, the only question mark for the Royals is the fitness of West Indies fast bowler Obed McCoy, who is currently nursing an injury.
Both teams come into the match on the back of impressive victories in their opening games of the IPL 2023 season. Punjab Kings, led by Shikhar Dhawan, emerged victorious over Kolkata Knight Riders in their first match despite missing key players Livingstone and Rabada.
The Royals, on the other hand, will be looking to replicate the attacking top-order batting, incisive new-ball performance, and tight spin bowling that helped them defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad in their opening game.
Currently, both teams have won their opening fixtures and scored big, but the Royals sit higher on the points table at number two due to their superior Net Run Rate, while Punjab Kings are at number five.
