RR vs PBKS IPL 2024: Who Will be the Highest Wicket-takers in Rajasthan vs Punjab?

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In Match 65 of the IPL 2024, Rajasthan Royals will welcome Punjab Kings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday (May 15).

The Royals have met with the Kings 27 times in the past and won 16 of them. In their last three duels, RR have the edge with a two-to-one margin. This year Rajasthan beat Punjab by three wickets.

After winning eight of the twelve matches, the Royals are sitting second on the points table, waiting to join the Knights in the playoffs. Whereas PBKS with only four wins sitting at the bottom of the table.

After having a great start to the season with nine wins in the first ten games, RR suddenly dropped its form and lost the last three consecutive matches. PBKS also have failed to register victories in their last two games.

IPL 2024 RR vs PBKS: Bowling Squad Comparison

Rajasthan has one of the most balanced bowling sides this season. Their pace attack has been managed by Trent Boult, Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma and all of them are in decent form. Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin also performed well so far this season.

On the other hand, Punjab's bowling attack is quite pacer-heavy. Despite their position on the points table and overall performances, the PBKS-pacers have been brilliant throughout the season.

Arshdeep Singh, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran all have continued their wicket-taking spree. However, their spin unit has failed to complement their pace attack. Only regular spinner Rahul Chaharalso is not at his best in this season.

IPL 2024 RR vs PBKS: Who Will be the Top Four Wicket-takers in Match 65?

Sandeep Sharma (RR): The 30-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler has bagged 10 wickets in only seven matches. With 134 wickets in IPL career, along with Trent Boult, Sharma will provide the necessary depth to the RR pace unit.

In this crucial juncture of the league, the Indian pacer will be vital to get an early breakthrough and also in the death overs against the in-form Punjab lower middle order batters.

Yuzvendra Chahal (RR): The Indian leg-spinner is the highest wicket-taker for RR in this IPL, with 15 wickets in 12 matches. Despite being on the expensive side this season, Chahal will be crucial in getting wickets along with Ravichandran Ashwin in the middle overs and choking the Punjab batters.

With the record of being the highest-ever wicket-taker in IPL history, the 33-year-old can be a game-changer for RR in the remaining matches in the ongoing season.

Harshal Patel (PBKS): With 20 wickets in twelve matches, the 33-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler is second in the race to winning the Purple Cap.

Despite being expensive, Patel has taken wickets regularly and will be crucial in the death overs. Most of the wickets are from the slog-overs. Hence a similar performance can be expected from him against the Royals.

Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): The 25-year-old youngster has already picked 15 wickets. The left-arm medium-fast bowler will be pivotal against RR, to topple the RR top order, along with skipper Sam Curran.

The visitors have already exhausted their chances to qualify for the playoffs while the Royals, after remaining at the top of the table for most of the season, are now struggling to seal their spot in the playoffs.

As PBKS have the reputation of being unpredictable, any upset for RR would seriously hinder their hope to get a spot in the top two. Hence, RR will try their best to join KKR as qualified for play-offs and we will hope for a highly competitive battle between these two rivals.