The fourth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 will be played between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. The rebranded PBKs will be commencing their campaign with high expectations especially after the addition of some new players. Led by KL Rahul, PBKS will be eyeing to reach the playoffs after missing out last season. While their batting looks solid as ever, with the addition of Shahrukh Khan, their middle-order has also been enhanced.

All eyes will be on star acquisition Jhye Richardson, who is set to make his IPL debut against the Royals. With Mohammed Shami and Ravi Bishnoi expected to line up alongside Richardson, the Punjab Kings will be fancying their chances this season. However, they will come across the Rajasthan Royals, who have seemingly reverted to their ‘Moneyball roots. They brought some all-rounders like Chris Morris and Shivam Dube.

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Although Jofra Archer’s injury will play a huge role for RR, they seem equipped to take on the challenge this time around. Much is expected of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler as they will be playing under the new captain, Sanju Samson. Although there isn’t much to separate the two sides on paper, the Kings boast a more balanced and experienced unit. But the team with the match-winners like Buttler and Stokes can never be taken lightly. All in all, a cracking game of cricket beckons as both teams eye a crucial win to set the ball rolling in IPL 2021.

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Jofra Archer will miss the initial parts of IPL and ahead of their opening game Sanju Samson said RR will be waiting on a report from their physios for the fitness Mustafizur Rahman. There will be Andrew Tye and David Miller’s availability, who has been in quarantine. Having loaded their squad with all-rounders, RR will be having some decent options to select this season. 

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If they do decide to open with the dangerous English duo of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, Samson, Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Morris, and Shivam Dube will making the middle order pretty solid. If the English opening pair click, given the form the two are coming in with, with the pressure off the middle order, it could make for a blockbuster view with big-hitters lined up aplenty.

Probable XI: Jos Buttler (wk), Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson (c), Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube, Rahul Tewatia, Chris Morris, Liam Livingstone, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Shahrukh Khan has already been earning a name for himself in the lead-up to the tournament. He should make the XI, playing the role of a finisher. PBKS will be expected to choose one between Chris Gayle and Dawid Malan for the no.3 position. Meanwhile, having spent quite a bit on acquiring the services of Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith, both are expected to make their IPL debuts. They also have the option of including Chris Jordan in place of Meredith.

Probable XI: KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle/Dawid Malan, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfaraz Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi