RR vs PBKS IPL 2023: Experts Opinion on Captains Sanju Samson and Shikhar Dhawan Before Today's Match

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Rajasthan Royals are set to host Punjab Kings in their first match at their 'second' home i.e. Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati in match 8 of the IPL 2023 on Wednesday (April 5).

Both teams are coming on the back of wins and on the back of some solid performances in their opening games of TATA IPL 2023. The highly anticipated encounter will redefine the rivalry between the two teams from the North in the North-Eastern State.

Both teams are being led by dynamic captains and the battle between a young RR skipper, Sanju Samson, against a seasoned campaigner like Shikar Dhawan - the captain of Punjab - makes the game more interesting.

Star Sports experts opinion ahead of RR vs PBKS Today's IPL 2023 Match

Ahead of IPL 2023 match 8 between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, Star Sports experts gave their opinion on the captaincy of Samson and Dhawan to official broadcaster of the Indian Premier League.

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes the 'Gabbar of Indian Cricket' Dhawan - who is mentally very strong - will be looking to prove his mettle as a batter, as well as the captain.

"Shikhar Dhawan is a senior player in TATA IPL and has been very consistent with the bat too. He's a very powerful player who possesses a very strong mind," Pathan told Star Sports.

"He (Dhawan) has to prove himself as a captain this year and for that his batting is essential. Being in and out of the Indian team must have bothered him and that's why he would like to prove that he is still the real Gabbar of Indian cricket."

Meanwhile, senior Australia cricketer and former Royals skipper Steve Smith spoke highly of the current Rajashthan Royals' captain Samson for he has witnessed his journey in TATA IPL up close.

"Sanju Samson is a young player, but he's not a youngster in terms of the experience he's had. He's leading the side from the front. He led the Royals really well last year and the team made it to the final," Smith told Star Sports.

"He'll take the confidence from the campaign last season. He's powerful and takes the game head-on. If he keeps doing that, I think, RR will keep doing well in this season as well."