RR vs PBKS, IPL 2024: Tottering Rajasthan Royals looks to make the playoffs against Punjab Kings

In keeping with its vision of accelerating socio-economic growth in north-east India through cricket, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) caravan has shifted base to Guwahati for its last two home games in the league stage of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

On Wednesday, a playoff spot will be up for grabs for RR – after three consecutive defeats – when it goes up against already-eliminated Punjab Kings (PBKS), at the Barsapara Stadium.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore will fill in for compatriot Jos Buttler in the RR playing eleven, with the England captain having flown out to join his national side ahead of the T20I series against Pakistan and the T20 World Cup 2024.

PBKS is yet to find replacements for Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone, who have returned home with injuries.

A flat bed is expected to be doled out at the venue, which has only two IPL games to show for before this fixture. The track may exhibit a hint of dryness that might aid bowlers inside the PowerPlay with additional movement.

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Although one could be in for yet another run-fest, given the shorter fences and dew factor, much of the contest would hinge on the death bowling, a department in which the Kings have been a cut above the rest.

It has picked 36 wickets between the 16th and 20th over in 2024, with the closest rival, Delhi Capitals, seven short of the mark. RR has merely accounted for 22.

Ashutosh Sharma and Shashank Singh’s pyrotechnics in the death have, on more than one occasion, saved PBKS’ blushes.

The left-arm angle and pace of Nandre Burger should be a good match-up to prematurely stop the deadly right-handed duo before they can get their eye in.