X-factor
The X-factor for Pune will be Ben Stokes. The England all-rounder steamed in with purpose at the Chinnaswamy Stadium a few days back taking three wickets for just 18 runs. His bouncers were well directed and troubled the Bangalore batsmen. His batting is also a crucial factor in the middle overs to up the scoring rate.
The fact that Rashid Khan turns the ball into him is also an advantage for Stokes. If he can remain calm, read Rashid’s googlies and channel his aggression, Stokes could be the difference between the two sides.
Rashid Khan is still a bit of an unknown and this has worked in his favour every single time in this IPL. The leggie has a bamboozling googly and bowls with brilliant control making him very difficult to score runs off. With Pune having just one left-handed batsman in their line-up, the Rashid threat is further multiplied. The Afghan spinner will be the X-factor for Sunrisers.
