The fourth match of IPL 2021 will be played between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings from 7:30 pm today at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This is the first match of both the teams in this year's IPL, so both will want to start their campaign with a win. The strength of both Punjab and Rajasthan teams is their batting and that's why today's contest is expected to be an exciting one.


For Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul, it is not going to be easy to choose the playing XI for today's match. Their biggest concern will be to select four foreign players. It will be interesting to see whether the world number one batsman David Malan gets a chance or not. Chris Gayle will have to sit out if Malan gets a place in the playing XI.


Talking about Rajasthan, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman could be the four overseas players playing against Punjab. However, the selection of players for the opening slot will be a matter of concern for young captain Sanju Samson. Last year, Steve Smith, along with Joss Buttler, replaced Ben Stokes in the opening slot.


For Rajasthan in this match, the pair of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler can start the innings. At the same time, captain Sanju Samson is set to play at number three. In the middle order, there will be Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia, Shivam Dubey and Chris Morris. Shreyas Gopal will lead the spin department. In the fast bowling department, Mustafizur Rahman, Jaydev Unadkat and Karthik Tyagi can get a chance. 


Rajasthan's probable playing XI - Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (captain), Liam Livingstone, Ryan Parag, Shivam Dubey, Chris Morris, Rahul Tewatia, Shreyas Gopal, Karthik Tyagi and Jaydev Unadkat.


KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal are set to open for Punjab Kings. After this, either Chris Gayle or David Malan can get a chance at number three. Nicholas Pooran, Shah Rukh Khan, Sarfaraz Khan and Deepak Hooda will play in the middle order. The spin department will be handled by Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi. Mohammed Shami and Jhye Richardson will be the fast bowlers.


Punjab's probable playing XI - KL Rahul (captain and wicket-keeper), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Puran, Moises Henriques, Sarfaraz Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Mohammed Shami, Jhay Richardson, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshadip Singh.


PBKS vs RR Pitch Report: The pitch of Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium is considered to be suitable for batsmen. However, in the initial phase of the game, fast bowlers can get some advantage here, but as soon as the ball gets old, batting will become easier. Given the influence of dew, the team that wins the toss can decide to bowl first.


PBKS vs RR Match Prediction: Punjab Kings have the upper hand in today's match. However, both teams look very strong, but looks like Punjab will win this match. Today's game can be high-scoring one given the batting-friendly pitch.