Rajasthan Royals have won all their matches so far in the league and would be looking for their sixth straight win as they prepare to face Kings XI Punjab at Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
Co-owned by Preity Zinta, Kings XI Punjab have not been at their best with three losses in their four games played so far. Hence, they would be eager to get back to their winning ways and climb up the standings table.
There is no dearth of stars in Kings XI Punjab, which includes David Miller, Virender Sehwag, Glenn Maxwell etc, but have not been able to deliver the goods. If these players start to click, they are capable of striking fear in the minds of their opponents as well.
Things are in contrast situation with the Royals, where their players have been in great form helping them win matches after matches to stay atop the IPL points tally.
Here is a look at two key players each from both the sides.
Kings XI Punjab
George Bailey: The Australian has been asked to deliver in IPL 2015 with other players failing to score runs at the top of the order and the skipper has not disappointed at all. He has scored 164 runs for his team this season. One of the best qualities of the player is the way he can play as per the situation demands. He can play the anchorman in the mid-overs as well as take the aggressor's role in the end overs of the game. The top order has not fired this season for Kings XI and if the same happens against the Royals, he must once again lead from the front.
Sandeep Sharma: Such has been the performance of Sharma with the new ball, he has become the spearhead of the Kings XI despite possessing bowlers like Mitchell Johnson. The Indian has taken seven wickets this season and has troubled the batsmen with his in-swing deliveries. Apart from taking wickets, he has not given away cheap runs with an impressive economy rate of 5.37. With Royals batsmen such as Steve Smith, Shane Watson and Ajinkya Rahane in great form, his bowling could well prove to be the difference between winning and losing.
Rajasthan Royals
Ajinkya Rahane: The elegant right-hand batsman has steadied the ship for Rajasthan Royals and has not given his wicket easily and in the process scored some crucial runs as well. The batsman has already amassed 197 runs so far with a healthy strike rate of 117.25. The player can take the attack to the opposition when required, but primarily anchors the innings steadily and allow other attacking batsman such as Steve Smith, Shane Watson and Deepak Hooda to flourish.
Shane Watson: The Australian all-rounder straight away walked into the team after being declared fit to play against CSK in their last game. Though, it was his first match, he came up with a match-winning knock of 73 runs as an opener. The Royals' player is a dangerous batsman, who can lower the morale of the opponent with his batting exploits. Apart from his batting, he also chips in with the ball if required as he can use his wealth of experience playing at the international level for Australia.
