IPL CRICKET 2010 Kings XI Punjab Vs Rajasthan Royals

IPL CRICKET 2010

Kings XI Punjab Vs Rajasthan Royals

PATHAN CALLING PATHAN

Irfan And Yusuf Cross Each Other's Path As Kings XI Punjab Take On Rajasthan Royals


Mohali: With both teams looking up to Pathan brothers, Wednesday's IPL tie between Kings Xi Punjab and Rajasthan Royals promises to be an exciting clash.
             While Kings, buoyed by the thrilling Super Over victory over Chennai Superkings on sunday night, will surely fancy their chances and expect Irfan Pathan to maintain his good form, Royal's success story will largely depend on the big brother, Yusuf, who can turn any match upside down on his day.
           Both teams are at the bottom of the pool with just one win from four matches and both the squads have been hit hard by indifferent form to key players. But while Kings will look to the return of Brett Lee and Shaun Marsh, Royals have their task cut out.
       Yusuf has yet to fire with bat after his record-breaking whirlwind ton in the team's first match. But, with the pitch at PCA Stadium promising to be a belter with nice carry and not much movement in the air, he will surely want to make a mark in match which both teams can't afford to lose. Royal's batting will also revolve around ICL returnee Abhishek Jhunjhunwala, the best bet for his consistency. But the bowling also doesn't look impressive with Shane Warne yet to show his cast his spin. Warne's country mate Shaun Tait, though bowling at 150kph, has deliveries where it matters the most.
        KXIP are also having their share of problems. But the confidence boost they got by the skin of their teeth win on 
Sunday would sure have lifted the gloom in the dressing room. But still the batting needs to fire with both Srilankans in the side - Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene-searching for form.But with Yuvraj showing signs of his batting prowess in the last match and Shaun Marxh joining the team, in-form batsman Ravi Bopara will enjoy batting without too much pressure.
       Before South Africa's Juan Theron was included in the squad, KSIP bowling looked pedestrian with their main strike bowler S Sreesanth being carted all over the ground and beyond. But with Theron playing a big part in the win over Chennai and a reportedly "Fully fit" Lee itching to have a taste of the action, KXIP have lesser headache on this front.