Rajasthan Royals are at home to Kings XI Punjab in their first game of the season as the two sides gear up for a terrific season ahead. Both sides have invested heavily on foreign players to strengthen the squad. The home side made their come back last season after serving a two-year ban and they made it to the top four which is some accomplishment. They will like to kick on and go further this season while for Kings XI Punjab, it is crucial they give their fans something to cheer about after years of underwhelming performances. Here we have our top 5 players to watch out for in the game between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. RR vs KXIP, IPL 2019 Match 4 Preview: Steve Smith in Focus as Rajasthan Royals to Take on Kings XI Punjab in Jaipur at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Jos Butler

English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Butler reinvented himself when he came on to open the innings for RR last season. Rajasthan who were struggling for form suddenly had a new lease of life with Butler’s big hitting up the order and they made it to the top four. He is probably the most dangerous player on the pitch for the home side.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes is a utility player who can get you wickets in his four-over spell and can also contribute with whatever position he is sent to bat on. The all-rounder had several poor performances last season and hence he will be desperate to start on a bright note. RR Squad in IPL 2019: Team Profile, Schedule of Rajasthan Royals in VIVO Indian Premier League 12.

Jaydev Unadkat

The 27-year-old Jaydev Unadkat has played for several teams in the IPL and is a veteran in the cash-rich league playing in his tenth season. He may go for a few runs but is a wicket taking option which is gold dust in this form of cricket. His slower balls, in particular, is very difficult to get away in the death overs.

Chris Gayle

The Universe Boss has been in some good form coming into the IPL and the Kings XI Punjab will want the veteran opener to smash the opposition. If he gets a quick fore fifty, it absolutely demoralises the opposition bowling and makes the job easy for other batsmen in the team particularly his fellow opener. Steve Smith Joins Team Rajasthan Royals Ahead of IPL 2019; Franchise Welcomes the Australian Cricketer (Watch Video and Pics).

Sam Curran

Sam Curran is considered a very good buy for Kings XI Punjab by all the cricket experts and the reason is he defied his age in terms of cricketing maturity. He bats according to the season and will get Punjab the crucial runs and his bowling is also very reliable. Those who saw him play in the England India series will know how he was the difference between the two teams on critical moments.

Both teams have quality hitters and this makes Kings XI Punjab’s game against Rajasthan Royals a quite intriguing one from a neutral point of view as fans expect a close contest.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2019 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).