Game of Thrones between Royals and Kings

Coming into the match after morale-boosting victories, both RR and KXIP would look to build a winning momentum after starting the tournament as underdogs. Buttler, who missed the first match due to quarantine rules, is expected to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal while Steve Smith will take David Miller’s position in the Royals batting order.

Tom Curran and Jofra Archer will complete the four-player overseas quota. Wicketkeeper-batsman Samson made a mincemeat of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowlers, hitting nine sixes in his 32-ball 74 in the match played at the same venue here on Tuesday. He will once again strive to join forces with Rajasthan captain Smith, who made a 47-ball 69 against CSK.

In its opener, Royals managed to defend its 216-run target, with Archer bowling brilliantly at the death and leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia inflicting top-order damage. While the duo continues to be key for Rajasthan, Jaydev Unadkat has been a disappointment.

Kings XI captain KL Rahul plundered a record 132 not out off 69 balls in a much bigger ground in Dubai, leading his side to a resounding 97-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The 28-year-old Rahul, one of the cleanest hitters of the ball, will be keen to continue in the same vein on a ground which has short boundaries on all sides.

India international Mohammed Shami and West Indian Sheldon Cottrell will lead the pace-bowling department, with leg-spinners Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin taking the task of controlling the middle overs.