IPL 10, DD v RPS: Rising Pune Supergiant Predicted XI

Rising Pune Supergiant got off to a good start this year and people thought they are turning it up but the second game exposed them pretty badly. A wicket that stopped on the RPS batters did pretty well for the KXIP. A 160 odd score in the first innings wasn’t going to help them given the quality of bowlers they have.

The Pune-based side has only weak links in their bowling attack. With only Imran Tahir hitting the mark others are missing and missing quite badly. They were exposed pretty badly when Pandya took Dinda apart for thirty odd runs and they had to chase a steep total down which they did with one ball to spare. They look comfortable while chasing but when it comes to defending no total looks dependable for them.

Steve Smith will be left with a selection dilemma for the next game against Delhi Daredevils at the Maharashtra Cricket Association. With the bowlers not doing that well and batters also flunking in the previous game, it will be a real test for the Australian skipper.

The team would be totally relying upon Imran Tahir in the bowling department and Ajinkya Rahane and the captain himself in the batting department.

We have thought from a tactical point of view and have predicted the eleven players Smith might go for tomorrow. Let us have a look at it.

1. Ajinkya Rahane

There is not much doubt about his selection as he would be one of the first names on the team sheet. With a solid 60 odd run innings in the first game and a rather clumsy second game, Rahane would be looking to get back to his best. We yet haven’t seen the Rahane of Rajasthan Royals, the one who used to caress the balls to the boundaries with utmost ease and grace following him all around. Rahane is yet to unleash himself and Smith and co will be hoping he chooses tomorrow’s game for it.

2. Faf du Plessis

Faf has been sidelined for the first couple of games because of some tactical reasons and the fact that only four foreigners are allowed. However, Mayank Agarwal has failed on two occasions and Faf just might be a perfect replacement for him. A graceful attacker joined in by this beast of a batter will be a combination that might suit RPS. Faf would be itching to get his pads on and this might be his chance to prove the management that he is someone who should be out there playing.

3. Steve Smith (C)

There is no replacing this man. He is the hinge that is keeping the team together and hitting the ball extremely well. A match-winning innings in the first game saw Smith take the initiative and lead the side from the front. He will be hoping to do that all season long as if the form of his drops even a tiny bit then this might be one of those long seasons for his team.

4. Ben Stokes

The million dollar man scored his maiden IPL half-century in the second game as he hit some sweet shots. The all-rounder RPS needed is delivering for them and is one of the integral members of the squad. A go to bowler for Steve Smith and someone that can anchor the innings or can lash out at the bowlers is always invaluable. Stokes brings it all with his game and the fans are also waiting for him to do justice to every penny he got.

5. MS Dhoni (WK)

MS Dhoni is the world’s best finisher and no one would hesitate while saying that. A captain of captains and a person who brings calmness to the squad is a must. This guy would walk into any team in the world and RPS is no exception. After taking away the captaincy from him, the Indian wicket keeper would be looking to do it with the bat this season. No burden of captaincy will certainly help him get the best out of him.

6. Manoj Tiwary

Manoj played an important inning in the second game and has a knack of taking the innings forward with pace. An experienced campaigner and the captain of his domestic side, Manoj is important to this side. He has the talent to hit any bowler on his day and he is in great shape right now. The man from Bengal looks fitter and leaner and is in great form with the bat too. A number six spot is very important as you might have to stable the innings if the top order collapses or you might have to go out and hit it and this guy is capable of doing both.

7. Rajat Bhatia

Just like Manoj even Rajat is very handy and can do his role pretty neatly. A bowler who has everything up his sleeves can get through the middle overs quickly and keep the scoring rate down. He has done quite well so far and there is no reason to drop him.

8. Imran Tahir

Tahir has been brilliant this season. He is the joint leading wicket-taker of the tournament. The 37-year-old was unsold at the auctions but was roped in by RPS as Ashwin’s replacement and boy has he delivered. That sprint after the wicket has become his trademark. A partnership breaker and by far the best bowler Rising Pune Supergiant have is a must.

9. Ashoke Dinda

Even after leaking runs in the first innings, Dinda is a tricky customer to handle. He did make a comeback in the second game but that was not enough for RPS. However, Dinda’s pace and his ability to sneak through the defenses might just keep him in the side.

10. Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur has a lot to prove to his critics. He has been phenomenal for Mumbai in the domestic season but is termed as a red ball bowler. But the Mumbai-lad has more to offer and he might get the nod tomorrow. A player who has a point to prove can always be dangerous to any opposition and Shardul is no differentRahul Chahar

11. Rahul Chahar

The teenager did pretty well in the second game as he took a wicket and bowled a decent third last over. The 17-year-old leg spinner did give away runs but his services and his newness can help RPS a lot and as they have played two leg spinners in both the games, they might want to stick with that.