Injury Update: D Miller or N Pooran, B Stokes or S Smith – KXIP and RR face selection woes ahead of the clash
Published on: Apr 16, 2019 10:44 am IST|Updated on: Apr 15, 2019 7:19 pm IST
It’s time for Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab in the Rivalry Week of Vivo IPL 2019. When last time both the sides met at Sawai Man Singh Stadium, the cricketing world got its one of the most significant controversies of the year – ‘Ashwin mankading Buttler’. With both the sides coming face to face again, this time in Mohali, all the eyes will be on Jos Buttler and R Ashwin for another high-tension clash.
Selection woes on both the sides
Ben Stokes missed the last encounter for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians due to a hip injury and was replaced by Liam Livingstone who had a forgettable outing. If Stokes gets match fit, which is likely to happen, will he replace Liam Livingstone or will he make the cut at the place of out of form team-mate Steve Smith? Steve Smith hasn’t looked good so far in the tournament and can be given rest for one or two games.
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The scene is quite similar for Kings XI Punjab as well. They replaced D Miller with Nicholas Pooran in the last game against Royal Challengers Banglore but the Windies power-hitter didn’t get to bat at all. While the middle order is looking quite unstable, it will be interesting to watch if N Pooran gets another chance?
Hey, Jof how many days until we play KXIP in Mohali? ?
Royals, how are we feeling ahead of the #KXIPvRR game? #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/PYhWJod4AN
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 15, 2019
Probable Playing 11:
Rajasthan Royals –
Jos Buttler, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith/B Stokes, Rahul Tripathi, Liam Livingstone/B Stokes, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni
Kings XI Punjab –
Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (wk), Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, D Miller/Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, Ravi Ashwin (c), Sam Curran, Murugan Ashwin, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami
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Both the sides are sitting in the second half of the points table and would be desperate for a win tonight. While Royals are sitting seventh with two wins in seven encounters, Kings XI Punjab is placed fifth with four wins and as many defeats in eight encounters in total.