Indian Premier League 2019 Match 32, Kings XI Punjab vs Rajasthan Royals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Everyone knows what happened the last time these Kings XI Punjab met Rajasthan Royals – R Ashwin dismissed Jos Buttler with the Mankad, prompting plenty of discourse, ranging from the reasonable to the outrageous.

Will the re-match, on Tuesday, April 16, in Mohali, throw up another Mankad? Unlikely, but it’s certainly a match in which every fan, every viewer on TV, will keep an eye on the non-striker. Let’s call that the Ashwin effect.

However, there is plenty to this match than just that one incident that dominated all talk last time around. Punjab have the chance to rise up as high as No. 2 with victory on Tuesday – they currently have 8 points in as many matches, and though Chennai Super Kings at No. 1 are a bridge too far, they can catch the best of the rest.

As for Rajasthan, a miserable campaign finally showed signs of life against Mumbai Indians last time out – Buttler led the charge as the three-time champions were defeated by 4 wickets. Will that spark some much-needed momentum to a Rajasthan side that, one suspects, is just missing that injection of incentive?

We’ll know soon enough. Either way, this should be one to watch out for.

Head to head

The two sides have clashed 18 times so far in the IPL. The rivalry has been dominated by Rajasthan, who have won 10 of their clashes. Punjab have won the remaining 8.

Needless to say, Punjab won their most recent clash, though. Ashwin’s Mankad of Buttler turned the game, triggering a Rajasthan collapse as Punjab won by 14 runs.

Last year, the honours were even, with both teams winning a match apiece.

Key players

R Ashwin (Kings XI Punjab): It’s hard not to focus on the Punjab captain. He’s not been amongst the wickets as much as you’d expect – he has 9 so far, well off the 17 Purple-Cap holder Kagiso Rabada has managed. However, he has been canny. It’ll be particularly interesting to see how he interacts with Buttler – especially if he is to hang around the non-strikers’ end.

Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals): Rajasthan have been heavily reliant on the injection of impetus Buttler provides at the top. His 43-ball 89 at the top was the reason Rajasthan managed their second win of the campaign. Quite apart from the drama surrounding Ashwin, he will be key to Rajasthan’s hopes come Tuesday.

Likely XI

Kings XI Punjab: KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sam Curran, Hardus Viljoen, R Ashwin (c), Mohammed Shami, M Ashwin.

Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith, Rahul Tripathi, Ashton Turner, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, K Gowtham, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni.

Prediction

The home side have been able to grind out victories this season, especially at home in Mohali – expect another one at their fortress.