David Miller
Kings XI Punjab have David Miller to bat in the middle order Getty

Kings XI Punjab will take on Rajasthan Royals in their first game of the 2015 Indian Premier League (IPL) at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune, on 10 April.

Where to Watch Live

The match starts at 3.30pm BST. Live coverage is on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for the live streaming link.

Overview

After a disappointing last few years, Kings XI Punjab made it to the finals for the first time in their history during the previous season, only to lose it to Kolkata Knight Riders. They will be looking to take off this season from where they had ended on 1 June 2014.

The Punjab based side has a power packed batting lineup, which includes the World Cup winning trio of George Bailey (captain), all rounder Glen Maxwell and star pacerman Mitchell Johnson.

In addition, they have Virender Sehwag to open their innings and David Miller in the middle order. They have a very well balanced side and are in for another spot in the finals this season.

Meanwhile, the Royals won the opening season of the IPL in 2008 and since then, have never managed to give any competition. In the 2013 season, they made it to the playoffs and that was their best performance in recent times.

Having the likes of Steven Smith and Shane Watson in the middle order, along with James Faulkner and Tim Southee to lead their bowling attack, they have found the much needed balance to their squad.

Prediction

Kings XI Punjab to win

Betting Odds (888Sport.com)

  • Kings XI Punjab to win: 10/21
  • Rajasthan Royals to win: 28/17

Team News

Kings XI Punjab

Possible XI: Virender Sehwag, Murali Vijay, Manan Vohra, Glenn Maxwell, George Bailey (c), David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Axar Patel, Mitchell Johnson, Sandeep Sharma, Rishi Dhawan

Rajasthan Royals

Possible XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair, Steven Smith, Sanju Samson (wk), Shane Watson (c), Stuart Binny, James Faulkner, Tim Southee, Rajat Bhatia, Pravin Tambe, Dhawal Kulkarni

Kings XI Punjab