The Punjab Kings and the Rajasthan Royals will face off in a crucial encounter as they strive to keep their playoff hopes alive in the IPL.
Both teams have struggled with inconsistency throughout the season, and this game will be their last opportunity to make a push for a spot in the playoffs.
Even though the Royals hold a slight advantage over the Kings due to their superior net run rate, both sides are aware that their fate ultimately rests on the outcomes of other matches.
It has been a familiar tale of disappointment for the Punjab Kings, a team that has historically underperformed. Their poor bowling performance against the Delhi Capitals on Wednesday night was a reminder of their failure to capitalize on crucial moments in the tournament over the years.
On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals started the IPL on a high note, winning four out of their first five games. However, they have been unable to maintain their momentum and find themselves in a precarious position.
Despite standout performances from talented players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Yuzvendra Chahal, the star-studded Rajasthan Royals lineup has failed to live up to its full potential. Even the impressive Jos Buttler, known for his sensational knocks, has struggled with inconsistency, having been dismissed without scoring in the team's previous two games. The England white-ball captain will be eager to make amends and deliver a match-winning performance in this do-or-die encounter.
PBKS vs RR Head-to-Head
The two sides have played each other 25 times, with Rajasthan dominating the head-to-head record with 14 wins to Punjab's 11.
Team news
Kagiso Rabada's failure in the last match may see Punjab play the extra overseas batter in Dharamsala. Matthew Short or Bhanuka Rajapaksa, with their power-hitting game, could return to the XI.
With swing on offer in the first few overs, Trent Boult should replace Adam Zampa in the RR XI.
Dharamsala Weather Update
Even though there's a 20% chance of rain on Friday afternoon, the weather should clear up for a full 40-overs contest between both sides in pleasant weather conditions.
PBKS vs RR Probable Playing XI:
PBKS Possible Playing XI: Shikhar Dhawan(c), Atharva Taide, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Short, Jitesh Sharma(w), Sam Curran, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Nathan Ellis, Arshdeep Singh
RR Possible Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Adam Zampa, Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal
WHERE TO WATCH
How to watch on TV
People who want to watch the Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals match on TV can tune into Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3, Star Sports 3 HD
How to watch live streaming
People can watch the PBKS vs RR match free of cost on the Jio Cinema App. You can download the app on your smartphone, smart TV, or any other device.
Punjab vs Rajasthan full squads
Punjab Kings full squad: Prabhsimran Singh, Shikhar Dhawan(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Rishi Dhawan, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Matthew Short, Harpreet Singh Bhatia, Mohit Rathee, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Baltej Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Gurnoor Brar, Shivam Singh
Rajasthan Royals full squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w/c), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal, Donavon Ferreira, Devdutt Padikkal, Riyan Parag, Murugan Ashwin, Navdeep Saini, Adam Zampa, Jason Holder, Kuldip Yadav, Obed McCoy, KC Cariappa, Kuldeep Sen, Abdul Basith, Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Vasisht