Ravichandran Ashwin -- KXIP captain and Man of the Match: We probably thought we were 10-15 runs short on this pitch and I thought Arshdeep bowled really well in the first few overs. We had some plans for Jos and he really executed well. He (Arshdeep) can actually swing the ball both ways and for a left-hander to swing both ways is a massive advantage in the first six as we have seen with Deepak Chahar in the CSK. We are looking forward to Arshdeep doing some great things in the tournament. For me, it's about getting various lengths with different speeds and trying to get the batsman with under cutter and reverse carrom. I worked on a lot of things despite people actually calling me for trying too many things, I kept on going. Most of the changes are actually forced, we got Moises into the eleven today. He was actually handed the cap but unfortunately he got injured in the last minute. Miller wasn't playing but he came in and played a vital hand for us, he took a couple of catches as well. We are waiting on Mujeeb's status (injury) and Moises (Henriques) seems okay.
Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 32nd Match - Live Cricket Score, Commentary
Ajinkya Rahane -- RR captain: 182 on that wicket was quite chaseable. We started well. Just a matter of two sixes. A game like this, you can't criticise too much. Our bowlers bowled well. In a chase like this, you can't lose too many wickets in a bunch. Discussion between me and Stuart was take it deep. Tripathi started really well. Should learn from our mistakes. These things happen in T20 cricket. Our two legspinners in the middle overs were brilliant. Jofra's four overs were critical.
Archer wins Gayle battle
Jofra Archer removes the dangerous looking Gayle for 30. The West Indian had got Kings XI Punjab off to a solid start with KL Rahul looking rusty, but was deceived by a clever off-cutter and nicks off behind. Powerplay: 39/1.
Debuts:Ashton Turner makes his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals, while 20-year-old left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh makes his debut for Kings XI Punjab. The visitors have left out Steve Smith. How big a factor can that be? You can tweet your opinions and suggestions to @akshaymaanay.
Teams:
Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane(c), Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson(w), Rahul Tripathi, Ashton Turner, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni, Ish Sodhi
Kings XI Punjab (Playing XI): Lokesh Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, David Miller, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran(w), Ravichandran Ashwin(c), Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Arshdeep Singh
TOSS: Rajasthan Royals opt to bowl
Remember what happened when Kings XI Punjab faced Rajasthan Royals last time? Ravichandran Ashwin mankaded Jos Buttler and it turned out to be the biggest talking point in the IPL 2019. The move helped KXIP to open their campaign with a win, while RR were hit mentally as they went on to lose their next two games as well.
That incident has played its role for both the teams as Ashwin and Co. have rode their luck a bit to come out on top in some encounters, whereas the Rahane-led side have lost some close matches. However, it is Rajasthan who come into this fixture with a win on their back, having beaten Mumbai Indians.
The two sides have shuffled around their squads and are still searching for the perfect combination. Ashwin sometimes has gone horses for courses and Rahane had to change his XI because of 5 losses in the first six games. Expect there to be some changes today as well.
PS: We will keep an eye on the batsmen at the non-striker's end.