Kings XI up against Royals

Yash Goyal

Jaipur, March 24

Having lost to Rajasthan Royals by 15 runs in Jaipur last year, Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin said the side was better prepared to take on the hosts in the 12th edition of the Indian Premier League.

“Now we have a good mix of experience and youth,” Ashwin said. “The team has more options this time. The players will be given more freedom. We trust them to take the team forward.” Ashwin said most teams are very strong at home. “A lot of teams are quite strong at their home grounds. In the last IPL, we had our home matches outside Mohali, but this time all our home matches would be in Mohali,” he said.

Australian Steve Smith is making a comeback for Rajasthan Royals. “Smith is a quality player. But comebacks are never easy. I am sure he will want to perform and do his best for Royals,” Ashwin said.