IPL 2024 RR Vs PBKS: Top Wicket-takers To Watch In Match 65

In Match 65 of the IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals will face Punjab Kings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday (May 15).

The Royals have a favourable record against the Kings, winning 16 out of their 27 encounters. In their last three matches, Rajasthan leads with a two-to-one margin. This year, Rajasthan defeated Punjab by three wickets.

Rajasthan Royals are currently second on the points table with eight wins from twelve matches, aiming to join the Knights in the playoffs. In contrast, Punjab Kings have only four wins and are at the bottom of the table.

After a strong start with nine wins in their first ten games, Rajasthan's form has dipped, losing their last three consecutive matches. Similarly, Punjab has failed to secure victories in their last two games.

Rajasthan boasts one of the most balanced bowling sides this season. Their pace attack, led by Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, and Sandeep Sharma, is in good form. Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin have also performed well.

On the other hand, Punjab's bowling attack is heavily reliant on pacers. Despite their overall performance and position on the points table, PBKS pacers have been impressive throughout the season.

Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, and Sam Curran have consistently taken wickets. However, their spin unit has struggled to support the pace attack. Regular spinner Rahul Chahar has not been at his best this season.

Sandeep Sharma (RR): The 30-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler has taken 10 wickets in seven matches. With 134 wickets in his IPL career, Sharma will add depth to RR's pace unit alongside Trent Boult.

In this crucial phase of the league, Sharma will be vital for early breakthroughs and death overs against Punjab's lower middle order batters.

Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): The Indian leg-spinner is RR's highest wicket-taker this IPL with 15 wickets in 12 matches. Despite being expensive this season, Chahal will be crucial in getting wickets along with Ravichandran Ashwin in the middle overs.

As the highest-ever wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal can be a game-changer for RR in the remaining matches of this season.

Harshal Patel (PBKS): With 20 wickets in twelve matches, the 33-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler is second in the race for the Purple Cap.

Despite being expensive, Patel has regularly taken wickets and will be crucial in the death overs. Most of his wickets come from slog-overs, so a similar performance is expected against Rajasthan.

Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The 25-year-old left-arm medium-fast bowler has already picked up 15 wickets. Singh will be pivotal against RR to topple their top order along with skipper Sam Curran.

The visitors have exhausted their chances to qualify for the playoffs while Rajasthan, after leading the table for most of the season, are now struggling to secure a playoff spot.

Punjab Kings' unpredictability could pose a threat to Rajasthan Royals' hopes of finishing in the top two. Therefore, RR will aim to join KKR as playoff qualifiers. Fans can expect a highly competitive battle between these two rivals.