It is all but over for the eight placed Pune Warriors India (PWI) in the current season of Indian Premier League. So lot would be at stake for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) who take on the Warriors in the match which would be utmost importance for them as they know that they still stand a chance to qualify for the play-offs. Rajasthan currently at number six on the points table still have a shot at the play-offs, but if they lose today things would get ugly for them.
On the other hand, only thing Warriors would have on their mind is to leave the tournament on a high after series of embarrassing wins. Both teams would go hard at each other and try to leave the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur with their heads held high.
Here are the players to watch out from today’s tie:
Rajasthan Royals:
Ajinkya Rahane: He has been one of the most successful batsmen of the IPL 5. He led the batting charts for the longest time in the tournament but few bad innings in a row him from the zenith. Rahane will be looking to get his touch back and play an important innings for his side in this important clash.
Shane Watson: The mighty all rounder from Australia has already shown what he could do in this format of the game when he scored 90 against Pune Warriors few days back. He is a force to reckon and along with his bowling attributes he is the most dangerous player in the RR armory.
Shaun Tait: After helping his side to two back to back wins, Tait went off the rhythm in the last match. He was wayward and did not look that intimidating. He would want to come good in this match and try rattle up the PWI batting line-up. He can generate great pace and his yorkers are immaculate. Smith and Co would be wary of that and would need to handle him carefully.
Johan Botha: He lost his place to Hogg for quite a few matches but he is once again back in the team. He is an intelligent cricketer and knows what is expected from him. He is also very handy with the bat and has played some good innings in the past.
Pune Warriors India
Steve Smith: Smith would lead the side in the absence of their skipper Sourav Ganguly. He can wreck havoc and has been playing brilliantly. This young lad from Australia has been outstanding with the bat for the Warriors and they would want him to fire today in order to bring their campaign back on track. His fielding is electrifying and that would be of great help to the side.
Angelo Mathews: He has been bowling well and his batting is also coming good in the tournament. He showed some very good skills and changed the pace beautifully. Warriors will once again be hoping that this talented cricketer from Sri Lanka plays up to his potential in this match.
Wayne Parnell: He has not lived up to his standards at all in tournament. He is a proven customer and Pune Warriors would want him to stand up to their expectations.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News
