Preview: Rajasthan Royals vs Pune Warriors India
Two teams in the lower half of the table, going into this game after defeats in their previous matches. PWI have nothing to lose and the possibility of reaching the play-offs has been ruled out. Royals, on the other hand, still have an outside chance and winning this game would be their top priority. Both teams have had a similar script this IPL – beginning strongly and slowly losing track.
Their last encounter was pretty lop-sided as the Royals dominated the match from the start. However, the Warriors, with nothing to lose, might play spoilsport to the Royal’s chances.
Rajasthan’s batting looks a bit ordinary, if you take Shane Watson out of the equation. Rahane losing his Midas touch, is just a pale shadow of his self and Dravid looks solid but is not striking at a good rate. Hodge is batting a bit too lower down the order and hasn’t quite provided the finishing touches. On the bowling front, Tait’s addition is a boost but the Australian lacks consistency and once he loses rhythm, he can go for more than a few. Pankaj Singh has impressed but has been expensive. Watson and Botha need to chip in with the ball as well.
Pune, on the other hand, seem to be lacking in all the departments. Their batting looks all over the place and no one has really played the big knocks. Uthappa has promised with his 30s and 40s but hasn’t really played a big one. Steve Smith seems to be their lone warrior. Their bowling is not upto the mark as well. Alfonso Thomas was good at the start but never really found his rhythm. Same is the case with Rahul Sharma and Angelo Mathews. With the team struggling to find the right combination, it looks all but over for the Warriors.
Key Players:
Rajasthan Royals:
Shane Watson
He is their go-to man whether they are batting or bowling. Rajasthan bank heavily on his all-round abilities and he would be keen to live upto the expectations. With a great outing against PWI in Pune, he would be looking for a repeat of that performance.
Shaun Tait
Bowling at over 145 kmph, he has induced scare into the opposition batsman. In the 3 matches that he has played this season, he has looked impressive. If PWI want to win this one, they need to tackle this man well.
Ajinkya Rahane
He might have looked out of touch but he is a big game player. RR will rely on him to provide the platform to launch an assault on the opposition. One good knock and he will be back in contention for the Orange Cap.
Pune Warriors India:
Steve Smith
The Australian has had a good IPL so far. He has looked good with the bat and his fielding has been simply electrifying. If Dada opts to sit out of this one as well, he will be in charge of the Warriors for the second time. If PWI want to restore some pride, Steve Smith has to fire.
Robin Uthappa
Has looked good but inconsistent. His poor shot selection is probably the reason for this. If he can improve his shot selection and not throw away his wicket, he could probably win PWI a game or two.
Saurav Ganguly
He might be past his prime, but he has led Pune from the front. Pune did miss his captaincy in the last game. He has looked determined and even though his body is not upto the mark, his mind still is that of an inspiring captain.
Prediction: Both teams look out of sorts. The Royals would be keen to get some momentum while Pune will be looking to salvage some pride. As of now, a Rajasthan Royals has the edge because they have a more balanced side.