Rajasthan Royals have a new King after legendary Warne led them to glory for first four years. Dravid will lead the troop and it will be a fresh start not only for the team but for him too, after his previous experience with RCB as captain and player. Gilchrist on the other hand has led Deccan Chargers to victory, and Kings XI awaits his magic, although his age may reduce his attacking shots. Kings XI vs Rajasthan Royals match is the battle of veteran captains leading young teams. Who will succeed!!
History
Kings XI has reached the semifinal of 2008 edition, when Rajasthan Royals won the first edition of IPL. Since then both have failed to reach the knockout stage. Royals hold a edge over Kings XI winning 4 of their 7 clashes. Under Gilchrist, Kings XI have started winning and defeated Royals by 48 runs in the only match they played in 2011.
Head-to-Head: Royals: 4, Kings 2
2008
-
RR def KXIP by 6 Wickets
KXIP def RR by 41 runs
2009
-
KXIP def RR by 27 Runs
RR def KXIP by 78 Runs
2010
-
RR def KXIP by 31 runs
RR def KXIP by 9 Wickets
2011
- KXIP def RR by 48 runs
2008 Performance
On their way to championship RR won record 13 matches and lost just 3. Kings XI also reached the semifinal with 10 wins and 5 losses, finishing second at group stage behind Royals.
2009 Performance
South Africa did not suit them and they managed just 5 wins, Lost 8, and 1 was abandoned. Kings XI won 7 and lost 7 to fail reaching the knock out stage in foreign land.
2010 Performance
RR again failed to enter knockout and could win only 6 and Lost 8 matches. Kings XI, victim of all games but Cricket finished at the lower bottom at group stage winning 4 and losing 10 matches.
2011 Performance
Kings XI won and lost 7 match each to finish 5th. Royals won 6, lost 7 to finish 6th. One of their match produced no result.
Overall Performance
RR has a positive win loss ratio, making them one of the successful teams of IPL in last four editions. They have Won 30, Lost 26, and two matches were abandoned. Kings XI has a decent overall performance rate. They have 28 and lost 29 till 2011 edition.
Who Will Win Today!
Valthaty- the 2011 sensation and Gilchrist may decide the fate of the match. In the absence of Shane Watson, Tait, Botha and Brad Hodge will play crucial role in restricting the Kings XI batting blitz. Brad Hogg may have to wait for his turn. Azhar Mahmood, the only Pakistani in the tournament, will find all eyes set on him. He should better succeed if Zinta’z men must start on a positive note.
The trio of Owais Shah, Brad Hodge and Botha with balanced attack in batting from Dravid and Chandimal and firepower from Tait hold the key for Royals.
Valthaty, Piyush Chawla, Abhishek Nayar, Paras Dogra are the important names for Kings XI, besides the captain Gilchrist, David Hussey and Harris who have the power to take them to victory.
The match is between equally weaker teams. But considering their last years finish at 5th and 6th position, they may be ready to enter the semifinal this time.
Valthaty/Gilchrist vs Tait/Botha
Valthaty has been the surprise of 2011. If he continues his swan song Kings XI Punjab will keep rising. But, Tait and Botha would like to put the breaks early on by troubling Valthaty and his captain Gilchrist in the power-play. The winners will win the match for their team.
David Hussey vs Azhar Mehmood
Both the allrounders will play crucial role in their team’s 2012 fate. Both are the leading stars of T20 games around the globe. Both have firepower, sensible bowling and good fielding. The player having better day takes the team to victory.
Leave a Reply