Shikhar Dhawan, who missed Punjab Kings’ final match attributable to a shoulder harm, is prone to miss the aspect’s Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture in opposition to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday.
The 37-year-old underwent a health coaching check within the King’s coaching session on the eve of the match, and bowling coach Charl Langeveldt mentioned that although Dhawan is on the mend, he may not be prepared for a return simply but.
“I am not the physio. He is on the mend. He is doing well for his rehab. He is feeling better, but he is not just there yet. The process is going to take a while,” Langeveldt mentioned.
While Dhawan’s absence will probably be an enormous blow for the house crew in opposition to a star-studded RCB, Langeveldt revealed that Liam Livingstone, who’s but to play a recreation, will probably be obtainable for choice.
On a batting-friendly floor, Livingstone might come in useful along with his power-hitting means.
The two groups come into the sport with contrasting fortunes. While RCB misplaced an in depth recreation in opposition to Chennai Super Kings, PBKS defeated Lucknow Super Giants, using on vital contributions by Sikandar Raza, Matthew Short and Shahrukh Khan.
It will probably be fascinating to see how Punjab bowlers – Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada and stand-in captain Sam Curran – deal with the RCB batters.
With skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli opening the innings, and Glenn Maxwell at No.4, RCB has a robust batting lineup. Shahbaz Ahmed and Dinesh Karthik add depth to the middle-order.
The batting order, as robust as it might appear on paper, has been suffering from inconsistency.
Placed eighth with 4 factors from 5 matches, RCB might want to repair its weak hyperlinks if it needs to remain within the hunt for a playoff berth.
With Mohammed Siraj, Harshal Patel and Wayne Parnell round, RCB has a formidable quick bowling division, and Josh Hazlewood’s return after his rehabilitation might make it much more potent.
PBKS has received 5 of its final six outings in opposition to RCB, and would hope to take care of the higher hand.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com