IPL 2024, PBKS vs RCB: The reason why Kagiso Rabada and Glenn Maxwell are not playing today’s match

The most awaited deadline in between Punjab Kings (PBKS) again Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) takes place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Both teams are fighting to keep their faint hopes of reaching the play-offs alive.

The pressure is on for PBKS and RCB

With Mumbai Indians (MI) being the first team to be eliminated in the final four races, the number is higher than ever for competing teams. The loser of this match will join MI in the unlucky category, facing an early exit from the tournament. PBKS, coming off a defeat against CSK, are already in a precarious position at the top of the play-off race. Meanwhile, RCB enter the field with significant momentum, boasting a three-match winning streak.

Toss and play XI changes

Sam Curran, the captain of PBKS, won the toss and elected to bowl first in this crucial match against RCB. Both teams have made changes to their playing XIs. Punjab chose to leave out their revered pace Kagiso Rabadawhile RCB were sidelined Glenn Maxwelll.

It explained the absence of star players

Although both the captains did not mention the reasons behind the absence of Rabada and Maxwell, it seems that the current situation played a major role. Rabada, who struggled to score as expected, managed just 11 wickets in 11 matches with an economy rate of 8.86. Similarly, Maxwell, known for his explosive batting and Handy off-spin, has been struggling for RCB, scoring just 36 runs in 8 matches and picking up just 5 wickets.

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PBKS vs RCB, Playing XI of both teams

Kings of Punjab: Jonny Bairstow(w), Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Shashank Singh, Sam Curran(c), Ashutosh Sharma, Harshal Patel, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Vidhwath Kaverappa

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis(c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Mahipal Lomror, Cameron Green, Dinesh Karthik(w), Swapnil Singh, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Lockie Ferguson

A change that affects both parties

PBKS: Harpreet Brar, Tanay Thyagarajan, Rishi Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, Nathan Ellis
RCB: Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Dayal, Mayank Dagar

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