IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Rajasthan Royals to Win RR vs PBKS Match No. 8

IPL 2023: The finalists of the TATA IPL 2023, Rajasthan Royals have started the 16th edition with a bang. They registered a dominating win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first game by 72 runs. The bowling and batting both clicked for RR, and they ticked all boxes in their first game. Rajasthan will now lock horns against a tougher opponent, the Punjab Kings.

RR will face PBKS on Wednesday at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Punjab is also coming off a win over Kolkata Knight Riders in their first game, and their confidence will also be high. But RR has been playing quite good cricket and has probably the best-balanced team in the competition right now. Hence, we will talk about three crucial players for RR who can win them in RR vs PBKS match no. 8.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Rajasthan Royals in the RR vs PBKS Match No. 8

3. Sanju Samson

The RR skipper Sanju Samson is in great form at the moment. He always plays those match-winning knocks that usually turn the game in favor of RR. Just like the opening game against SRH. After a great start from Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Samson carried the momentum and scored a quick half-century. He made 55 off 32, with three fours and four sixes, striking at 171.88.

And because it will be his first game as a RR captain on home soil, he will be keen to make a statement in it. His form certainly suggests that he can possibly be the difference-maker between the two teams. Samson’s ability to play spin and pace with a good strike rate has been very impactful for RR since he has taken the charge. Thus, his wicket will be very big for PBKS on Wednesday.

2. Yuzvendra Chahal

You can’t keep this man out of the game at any point in time. Yuzvendra Chahal is now the joint-second highest wicket-taker in the Indian Premier League, equaling Lasith Malinga’s record of 170 wickets in the last game against SRH. He took 4/17 and took important wickets. The veteran leg-spinner is just enjoying his time with RR.

His current bowling form indicates that we might see him wearing the “Purple Cap” soon for the second season in a row. Chahal is the wicket-taker, which also puts pressure on the opposition. With his experience, he will be the biggest threat to Punjab King’s batters. His ability to take wickets regularly makes him an asset for RR in this tournament. Adding to that, his bowling partnership with Ravi Ashwin is always a challenge for any team.

1. Jos Buttler

If we compare both teams’ batting lineups, we might see that one name stands out: Jos Buttler. The RR superstar started where he left off in 22. He smashed a 19-ball half-century and scored it within the powerplay against SRH. Buttler made 54 off just 22, with seven fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 245.45.

His presence on the crease is an assurance that RR to get a big score. That’s what PBKS would be fully aware of. Buttler brings 360-degree power hitting to the game, which makes him difficult to bowl. Buttler will indeed be the player to watch out for, and he will look to win that “Orange Cap” once again in 2023.