IPL 2018, Match 49, KKR vs RR - Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

The Rajasthan Royals have carved a resurgence of ultimate sorts in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. A few matches ago, many believed that their entire campaign was in a disarray. They were being ruled out by the other teams and even the fans owing to their lackluster and inconsistent performances. But a string of crucial wins now sees them back in the race.

And the key reason for their revival in the tournament is one big decision that the team took. The team management decided to promote Jos Buttler in the opening slot and the English cricketer has answered in a fantastic way. Riding on the fine form of Buttler, the Rajasthan Royals beat the Mumbai Indians in their most recent encounter.

Well, they still cannot breather the sigh of relief. They pretty much know that every game is a do or die game for them. And their next fixture is an away game against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The KKR team has had contrasting fortunes in the recent times. They have slumped to lows after a series of highs. The Royals will fancy their chances in the game and would want to field their best possible eleven.

Here is the Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI for the match:

Openers (Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler)

The Rajasthan Royals skipper Ajinkya Rahane is very much likely to come back in the opening slot for the game against the Knight Riders. Rahane has been playing in the middle order in the recent games this season. However, with D Arcy Short consistently struggling, Rahane is the best bet to join Jos Buttler.

Buttler, on the other hand, is on a record breaking spree in the tournament. He has hit five consecutive fifties ever since his promotion at the top of the order. Another fifty in the game against KKR will fetch him the record for most consecutive fifties in the IPL history.

Middle-Order (Sanju Samson)

In the middle-order, the Royals will bank on the services of Sanju Samson. The young Kerala batsman had made a fantastic start in the season. He, however, lost his plot as the tournament progressed. But the way he chipped in with a handy cameo against MI, the Royals will believe he is back to form.

All-rounder (Ben Stokes, K Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Stuart Binny)

The Rajasthan Royals rely heavily on their all-rounders. Ben Stokes is a big name in the side. He has failed to live up to the expectations that he has set for himself. He needs to deliver soon for the Royals to be a formidable outfit.

While Stokes’ form has been a cause of concern, the form of the other all-rounder K Gowtham has been phenomenal. Gowtham has chipped in with handy cameos with the bat and has proved that he can use the long handle well. With the ball, he has been very impressive in the powerplays.

Stuart Binny has largely been underused by the Royals in the season thus far. He has been a part of the team in the last two games and is very much likely to retain his place in the side. He has hit a couple of lusty blows to show glimpses of what he is capable of doing with the bat.

Jofra Archer has been the performer of the season with the ball for the Royals. The Windies born cricketer has been a wicket taking option and he proved to be a match winner with the ball in the previous outing as well. He returned with figure of 2/16 in four overs against the Mumbai Indians.

Spinners (Ish Sodhi, Mahipal Lomror)

The Royals were very lucky to have the services of Ish Sodhi midway through the season. The Kiwi leggie has been a revelation for them. Sodhi has proved why he is revered as a great asset in the shortest format of the game. With Sodhi coming in, Shreyas Gopal is likely to move out of the playing eleven.

The other spinner in the side can be Mahipal Lomror. Lomror has played a couple of games in the season and has looked decent. Lomror can add depth to the batting as well. The Royals also have the option of going in with Ankit Sharma. However, Lomror looks like the one making the cut.

Pacers (Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni)

The fast bowling department for the Rajasthan Royals is in the experienced hands of Jaydev Unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni. Unadkat came in to the tournament as the most expensive fast bowler but has largely failed to justify his price tag. Despite this, the management has shown faith in him and he is likely to be retained in the side.

Dhawal Kulkarni made a comeback to the side in the previous game. The Mumbai veteran is expected to stay in the side for another game. He can be very lethal with his line and lengths with the new ball in the powerplay.

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