IPL 2021: RR vs PBKS, Game Plan 2 – Can RR tame the trio of Mayank, Gayle and Pooran
RR vs PBKS – The fourth match of the IPL 2021 tournament between the two blockbuster teams, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, could all be about match-ups. We take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the fourth game of the IPL 2021.
RR vs PBKS Game Plan – Can RR overcome the challenge of PBKS intent machines?
Punjab Kings have a formidable top 4 comprising KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran. These PBKS batsmen have different approaches to their game. KL Rahul takes the mantle of playing through the innings as anchor. Chris Gayle chooses his matchups to perfection. Mayank Agarwal goes on attack mode from the beginning, trying to make the most of field restrictions up front. Nicholas Pooran is the craziest middle order batsman with an extraordinary intent and ability to dismantle spinners.
The trio of Mayank, Gayle and Pooran likes to dominate the spinners. The left handed duo is truly exceptional against left arm orthodox and leg spin bowlers. The Universe boss averages over 50 and strikes at over 200 against these two bowling types while Pooran averages 85 and strikes at 180. Rajasthan Royals should keep their two leggies, Shreyas Gopal and Rahul Tewatia as far away from these Madmen as possible.
But the PBKS madmen are not without flaws, they can very much be tamed. Both Gayle and Pooran can be countered by quality off-spin, which RR unfortunately don’t have. Their only other option is pace. Apart from KL Rahul, the Punjab batsmen lack the ability to play hard lengths at express pace. In his short IPL career, Pooran has been dismissed by right arm seamers 10 times and his average against them is below 20. Gayle’s average and strike rate drops to 36 and 119 respectively against right arm fast bowlers in IPL. Mayank Agarwal struggles even more averaging 16 and striking at 107 against right arm fast bowling type.
Rajasthan Royals have Chris Morris who has the ability to crank it up and bounce out batsmen. In the absence of Jofra Archer, They will be better served playing Andrew Tye. After falling off the radar in the last couple of years, Tye seemed to have worked on his bowling and rediscovered himself. In the Big Bash League, Tye was seen bowling at a serious pace instead of depending on the variations. RR also have Ben Stokes who can bend his back and bowl the hard lengths. RR can do some serious damage by bowling these pacers at right moments.