High on confidence following their stellar win in the IPL 2024 opener, Punjab Kings will aim to maintain momentum as they face Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ahead of the exciting RCB vs PBKS clash, let’s explore how the PBKS playing XI could shape up.
How should Punjab Kings line up in RCB vs PBKS?
Considering their successful start to the campaign, PBKS are unlikely to make significant changes in just a few days. At the top order, Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan are expected to continue as the openers, providing a valuable left-right combination for PBKS.
Despite Bairstow’s lacklustre performance against DC, he is anticipated to deliver against RCB. Dhawan, with his consistent IPL record, will likely anchor the innings for the team.
Sam Curran is set to continue at number third, following his successful stint in the same position during SA20 and the previous match against DC.
Jitesh Sharma, positioned at number five, is trusted to play a crucial role in the middle order. Liam Livingstone is expected to fill the finisher’s role at number six, having proven his worth with both bat and ball in the previous game against DC.
In the lower middle order, Shashank Singh and Harpreet Brar offer valuable contributions with both bat and fielding prowess. With a pitch favouring batsmen expected, PBKS might consider replacing Shashank Singh with the aggressive Prabhsimran Singh in the XI and opt for another impact player. Additionally, Sikandar Raza is available as a versatile option, capable of making impactful contributions with both bat and ball.
In the first match against DC, PBKS’s bowling unit featured Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, and Kagiso Rabada, alongside Sam Curran and Harpreet Brar. Arshdeep and Curran opened the bowling, with Arshdeep being economical and claiming wickets, while Curran struggled. Rabada took a wicket but was expensive. Patel impressed initially but leaked runs in the final over. Chahar showed promise and aims to perform better against RCB.
PBKS predicted XI vs RCB:
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh.
Impact Player subs: Rilee Rossouw, Prabhsimran Singh, Vidhwath Kaverappa, Sikandar Raza, Chris Woakes.
Punjab Kings Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (captain), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.
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