IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals' strongest predicted playing XI against Punjab Kings, Match 65

Rajasthan Royals (RR) were enjoying a dominant run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, but suddenly somewhere they lost track and are still in the queue to book the playoff ticket. They ended up losing their last three league matches. Nevertheless, the inaugural champions, currently second in the points table, are just one win away from qualifying.

Royals have two matches left to stay in the hunt. They already have 16 points and a decent net run rate (+0.349). Their upcoming match is against Punjab Kings (PBKS), who are already out of the tournament, and a win against them will guarantee RR's finish in the last four.

Even if Sanju Samson and Co. lose against PBKS, they have one more chance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but their dream of finishing in the top two on the points table may be dashed. RR will aim to bounce back with two wins in a row, but will the absence of Jos Buttler, who left for national duty ahead of the T20 World Cup, hurt them? What will be the team combination of RR in the upcoming crucial matches?

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Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of RR for the 65th match of IPL 2024 against PBKS:

Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore

RR did not get the desired services from Yashasvi Jaiswal this season. His only notable performance was against Mumbai Indians (MI), when he scored a 59-ball century. However, despite not spending much time at the crease, Jaiswal provides a quick start in the powerplay. 

The southpaw is expected to shoulder more responsibility in Jos Buttler's absence. The void left by the English opener will be difficult to fill, but RR will look to manage it with Buttler's compatriot Tom Kohler-Cadmore. The right-hander is a power striker of the ball and can demolish bowlers in the powerplay.

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Middle-order: Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Rovman Powell 

The middle order has been RR’s main strength this season. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag are among the leading run-scorers of the series with 486 and 483 runs, respectively. The RR skipper has been in excellent form with the joint most half-centuries (5) so far. Batting at No. 4, Parag has played several crucial knocks, including a 35-ball 47 in their last match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Dhruv Jurel failed to live up to expectations this time but the keeper-batter did well against CSK. With RR struggling to find runs, Jurel came in at No. 5 and accelerated the scoring rate with a couple of big hits to make 28 off 18 balls. As the tournament enters its crucial phase, the management will expect more contributions from him.

Subham Dubey, who took the spot of Shimron Hetmyer, had a brilliant cameo against Delhi Capitals (DC) but was dismissed for a golden duck in the last match. The presence of Rovman Powell in the lower middle order is a boost for RR. No total is safe when the Caribbean big hitter is unbeaten at the crease.

Click Here: RR vs PBKS, Match 65- Live Cricket Score

All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin

Having an experienced campaigner like Ravichandran Ashwin in their line-up is always an asset for the Royals. The right-arm off-spinner has taken five wickets in the last two games at an impressive economy. He can be used at any stage of the match and has the ability to take crucial wickets. Not to forget, Ashwin can also chip in with some runs in the lower order.

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Bowlers: Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Has Trent Bolt lost a bit of form lately? Well, the answer is yes. In the last three matches, the Kiwi left-arm pacer managed to pick up just one wicket and conceded a lot of runs. He seemed to have lost his superpower to take wickets in the very first over of the innings. RR's success in the upcoming matches will also depend on Boult's performance in the Powerplay. 

Avesh Khan continues his impressive form. The right-arm pacer has been doing well in the death overs along with Impact Player Sandeep Sharma. Yuzvendra Chahal has taken 15 wickets so far but he has leaked a lot of runs in the process of taking wickets, which is a big concern for the team.

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RR’s Predicted XI against PBKS:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Sub: Sandeep Sharma