Punjab vs Rajasthan, IPL 2024: Predicted Playing XIs Of Both Teams

Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the 27th match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 at the the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday. Having won two games out of five, PBKS are placed eighth in the IPL 2024 standings. On the other hand, RR are currently leading the IPL 2024 standings with eight points on the board after winning four matches and a narrow loss in their previous game against Gujarat Titans.

Ahead of this exciting clash, we look at the predicted XIs of both sides. (IPL 2024 Points Table)

PBKS Predicted XI

Shikhar Dhawan (captain)

PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan has scored 152 runs in five innings at an average of 30.40. His strike rate of 125.61 has been a concern for his side in the powerplay and Dhawan will be keen to improve on that aspect of his game in the upcoming matches.

Prabhsimran Singh

Striking at 153.52, Prabhsimran Singh has got some good starts for PBKS but he has failed to convert them into big scores. He has only managed to accumulate 109 runs in five matches and will be eager to make his mark against RR.

Rilee Rossouw

A stylish top-order batter with an elegant and authoritative drive, Rilee Rossouw might replace Jonny Bairstow in the PBKS top order. The South African southpaw has only played 14 IPL matches, scoring 262 runs at a strike rate of 136.46 but he is capable of taking any bowling attack to the cleaners on his day.

Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)

Jitesh Sharma has had an underwhelming start to IPL 2024. The wicketkeeper batter has struggled to find form and has only contributed with 77 runs in five innings so far. However, he showed glimpses of his potential in IPL 2023 when he made 309 runs and you can rest assured that Sharma will be striving to return to best soon.

Shashank Singh

With a whopping strike rate of 195.71, Shashank Singh has made his mark as an quality finisher for PBKS this season. The 32-year old has smashed 137 runs in five matches at an outstanding average of 137 and has made himself a key player for PBKS.

Sam Curran

England All-rounder, Sam Curran has contributed with important cameos for PBKS this season. He has amassed 120 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 126.31 and Curran has also returned with six wickets, making him important with both bat and ball for PBKS.

Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza filled in for Liam Livingstone in the Englishman's absence. The Zimbabwe all-rounder has been a terrific T20 player having amassed 4,668 runs and taken 133 wickets in the 20-over format.

Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma had a dream start to his IPL career, starring with a match-winning performance on his debut for PBKS. Striking at 200, Ashutosh has hit 64 runs in two innings. His presence in the lower middle order has strengthened PBKS' batting.

Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel was a notable buy for PBKS at last year's mini auction. The fast bowler has leaked runs at an economy of 10.55 but has also picked up six scalps in five matches, making him a wicket-taking option for PBKS.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada has been leading PBKS' bowling unit in the IPL 2024. The South African pacer has taken seven wickets in five matches at an economy of 8.65. Rabada will be expected to play a big role with the ball against RR on Saturday.

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh has been lethal in both the powerplay and slog overs for PBKS in IPL 2024. The left-arm pacer has picked up eight wickets in five matches at an economy of 8.72 and is a strong contender for the purple cap this year.

Impact Sub

Harpreet Brar/Rahul Chahar

RR Predicted XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal has had a poor IPL campaign thus far. After a standout 2023 season, Jaiswal has struggled to ignite at the top this year. The southpaw has only managed 63 runs in five innings, with a strike rate of 136.95 and will be keen for a quick turnaround in form.

Jos Buttler

Jos 'The Boss' Buttler announced himself in IPL 2024 with an unbeaten century against RCB. His match-defining ton handed RR a six-wicket win at home. The English wicketkeeper batter has scored 143 runs in five matches and they will be looking to produce a few more big knocks in the upcoming games.

Sanju Samson (captain and wicketkeeper)

RR skipper Sanju Samson has been destructive in IPL 2024. He has scored 246 runs in five matches and could be in the running for the Orange Cap this season. With three 50-plus scores, Samson has been leading RR's batting from the front.

Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag has been phenomenal with the bat this year, having scored 261 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 158.18. After a wonderful Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season this year, Parag has carried his purple patch into IPL 2024.

Dhruv Jurel

Dhruv Jurel adds depth and balance to Rajasthan's middle-order. Even though he has scored 42 runs in three innings, his strike rate of 155.55 shows that he is capable of delivering quick-fire knocks for his team.

Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer will add firepower to the Royals' batting lineup. His strike rate of 172 in IPL 2024 shows his destructive potential and RR will be hoping for a powerful finisher's knock from him sooner rather than later.

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin will be an important member of RR's spin bowling attack in the upcoming game. His all-round abilities provide the Royals with balance in the lower middle order and the right-hander will be hoping to have a bigger say in RR's matches to come.

Trent Boult

Kiwi speedster Trent Boult's swing and pace variations has provided the Royals with early breakthroughs. Boult has taken five wickets in as many matches and will be eager to topple the PBKS top order.

Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan brings a potent mix of pace and skill to RR's bowling attack. He has only struck thrice in five matches but has bowled economically in the slog overs and is key to the team in death overs.

Nandre Burger

South Africa's left-arm pacer Nandre Burger has been a lethal addition to the RR pace battery. He has taken six wickets in four matches and could play a key role against PBKS in Mullanpur.

Yuzvendra Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal is the current joint-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2024. The Indian leg-spinner has scalped 10 wickets in five matches at an economy of 7.33. He has been leading RR's spin bowling unit this year and can be expected to be among the wickets again.

Impact Sub

Shubham Dubey