As the IPL 2024 league stage enters its final week, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) face off against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Guwahati on May 15. While PBKS have been officially eliminated from playoff contention, RR have secured their playoff spot thanks to Delhi Capitals’ win over Lucknow Super Giants. Despite this, RR are looking to regain their momentum after suffering three consecutive losses. Currently second on the table with eight wins in 12 matches, a top-two finish is still within their grasp if they win their final two league-stage games.
The RR-PBKS rivalry has often produced thrilling matches, and their first meeting this season was no exception, with RR clinching a win off the penultimate delivery. To break their losing streak and head into the playoffs with confidence, here are three crucial strategies RR must implement against PBKS.
#1 Leverage the ‘Chahal’ Factor
Yuzvendra Chahal’s performance has been pivotal to RR’s success this season. As the first bowler to reach 200 wickets in IPL history, Chahal started the season in spectacular form, propelling RR to the top of the table. However, his recent form has dipped, with only five wickets in his last seven matches and a concerning economy rate. Chahal’s resurgence in their recent game against CSK, where he took 1/22 in four overs, was a positive sign.
Chahal’s impact is evident in RR’s wins and losses. In victories, he has taken 11 wickets at an average of 23.90 and an economy of 8.77. Conversely, in losses, he has only managed four wickets with a poor average and economy. His performance will be crucial against PBKS, especially considering his previous struggles against them. A strong showing from Chahal could be the key to RR snapping their losing streak.
#2 Utilize Left-Arm Pacers Effectively
RR’s innovative strategy of using left-arm pacers Trent Boult and Nandre Burger in the powerplay was highly effective early in the season. This approach disrupted opposing teams and allowed Sandeep Sharma to excel in the death overs. Despite Burger’s injury, Sharma filled the new-ball role admirably.
Burger’s return against CSK saw a deviation from this successful formula, which may have contributed to their defeat. Reverting to their original strategy of opening the bowling with Boult and Burger could create early breakthroughs. PBKS’s top order has been inconsistent, and exploiting this with Boult and Burger could put RR in a strong position, while still having Sandeep Sharma’s skills available for the death overs.
#3 Jaiswal and Samson Must Shine in Buttler’s Absence
With Jos Buttler unavailable due to England’s T20 World Cup preparations, RR faces a challenge at the top of the order. Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal have formed a formidable partnership, and his absence was felt in their previous game against PBKS, where a slow opening stand put RR on the back foot.
To compensate, Jaiswal and captain Sanju Samson need to step up. Samson has had a stellar season, scoring 486 runs at an average of over 60, but Jaiswal has struggled with consistency. Jaiswal has only managed 344 runs at an average of under 32. Both players’ performances were lacking against CSK, which contributed to RR’s defeat. For RR to dominate PBKS, Jaiswal and Samson must deliver big scores and lead from the front.
By focusing on these three areas, RR can regain their winning form and build momentum heading into the playoffs.
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