From a super over masacre to a comprehensive win___it was the start for Kings XI Punjab. With only two runs to defend, Mohammad Shami had nothing to deliver anything majestic. If this year, IPL gave a stunning start, in the midst of a pandemic, no one to cheer from stadium, it was the first two games of the tournament. But Punjab recovered well riding on the unacademic beauty of KL Rahul. And for Shami, it was 200+, not just 2, to defend. For Rajasthan, it was something to test their bowling, scoring high in the first innings. Jofra Archer is always in the game, though he lacks consistency. I think, it’s going to be a nail biting contest.

Rajasthan’s middle order is not yet tested, as Steven Smith and Sanju Samsan contributed a lot up the order and Archer offered an entertaining cameo in the death against Chennai Super King’s. Royals must expect more from them throughout the tournament. But while chasing a massive total, too much dependence on Smith will not work for Rajasthan. In the middle, someone has to take responsibility to support Uthappa, who is going to be tested this year. Uthappa is a good player of spin. So he can go after M. Ashwin and Bishnoi. Down the order, both Tom Curran and Archer may annihilate the opposition’s defence.

In Punjab’s camp, it’s Rahul vs others. He is an excellent timer of cricket ball, and with Mayank Agarwal he can keep the bowlers at bay. Agarwal is technically solid and has the ability to score fast. Maxwell, though dropped from national team months back, made a come back against England and he led from the front to their victory in ODI series. So he has his confidence back. He can lighten up the middle order of the Kings. Pooran and Karun Nair are also big names in the playing XI, if still no Gayle.

M. Ashwin and Bishnoi looked good in the last game. Anil Kumble being the head coach of Punjab, they have advantages regarding how to bowl at Sharjah. In pace department, I think,  Punjab have the best duo to start. Shami has a fine idea of how to bowl at a slower pitch, how to change length, and when to hit hard on the surface. To counter him is not easy for Royals’ openers. Sheldon Cottrell may go costly if he is picked up by the Royals’ batsmen. But if he goes stump to stump with good length, he is very untameable. And Maxwell. He must continue to bowl, at least, two overs, as he has enough experience as a part-timer.

In spin department, Rajasthan Royals may think something new, may pick someone from the bench….one who can replace Unadkat in the powerplay. They can consider Mayank Markande. Archer is fast and furious with the new ball and his slower may force the batsman go wrong. Unadkat, the star of domestic cricket, must come back in his second game. Tom Curran went costly against CSK, but he has a fantastic hand to deliver slower. As he can bowl in death, he must make playing XI.

At Sharjah, as always it happened, spinners might get a little bit of help today. Comparatively short in size and slow on the surface, it’s something confusing. If Jos Buttler is available, he may make playing XI and Punjab must go for the same XI. Though it’s a chasing ground, a healthy score in the first half may be defended well.