IPL 2019 STAT: Rajasthan Royals' overwhelming favorites against Kings XI Punjab at home

In last eleven editions of the franchise-based T20 league, Rajasthan Royals has featured in nine seasons with getting suspended for two editions. In this while, Rajasthan Royals' fortress - Sawai Mansingh Stadium has hosted Kings XI Punjab five times, and the former has emerged victorious on all five occasions. With this, all Kings XI have to do is to look back on their 'daunting' record, and see the areas they need to improve. The overall record between two teams is also in favor of Rajasthan Royals' as they have won 10 out of 17 games played between two franchises.

Kings XI Punjab has always been a side who starts well in the tournament but haven't been able to continue the run in a six-week long tournament. There's no better way to do things correctly, and start this season fresh. The side has once again touched Jaipur base and would be looking to open their winning tally on this ground.

RELATED

Last year, they over-invested in trying to be different, KXIP were out of gas when other teams stepped it up last year, so don't be surprised if they have a bit more method to their madness this year. Being boring is what they couldn't be in 2018.

Ravichandran Ashwin is an astute captain who's also ready to run into the wild, which is why Mike Hesson's appointment as the head coach becomes so much more significant. He can be the restrain KXIP can do with, the antidote to everything bold and beautiful that Ashwin brings to the table.

This remains to be seen whether it actually happens. The news from the center is that Rajasthan Royals' skipper Ajinkya Rahane has won the toss and asked the opposition to have a bat first. It will be interesting to see if they are able to put up a defendable total on the board.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals currently has the best winning record at home, which is close to 73 percent. This remains to be seen if they are able to continue this dream stint at home.

All Kings XI have to do is look back at who won last year, and how. There's no better way to do things correctly, and there's no point trying to do the correct things differently. Over-invested in trying to be different, KXIP were out of gas when other teams stepped it up last year, so don't be surprised if they have a bit more method to their madness this year. Being boring is what they couldn't be in 2018.

Ravichandran Ashwin is an astute captain who's also ready to run into the wild, which is why Mike Hesson's appointment as the head coach becomes so much more significant. He can be the restrain KXIP can do with, the antidote to everything bold and beautiful that Ashwin brings to the table.

And then there are 13 new players in a 23-man strong squad, which will allow the team a fresh lease of reputation that goes beyond how good their opening batsmen are. The auctions weren't perfect for them but it doesn't mean that the season can't be.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rajasthan Royals has won five out of five games against Kings XI Punjab at home.
• In the Head-to-Head, Rajasthan Royals has won 10 out of 17 games.
• Chris Gayle is six runs away from becoming the second overseas batsman to score 4000 plus runs.