IPL 2019 – Match 27: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals – RR Predicted Playing XI

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) will not have much time to reflect upon their loss against CSK. The team has got quite close in the last game but failed to get over the line. Rajasthan Royals will fly to Mumbai to meet the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their next encounter. The ‘Men in Pink’ could have registered a victory on several occasions in the past as well.

However, they have faltered towards the end and might need to re-strategize a bit. The visitors could possibly take a few big calls for the next match and it is high time they bench some big players who aren’t performing really well. Even though they’d have liked to change things around with their bowling, they do not have many resources available.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Rajasthan Royals (RR):

Openers (Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler)

Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, at the moment, seems to be one of the biggest problems for the team. There haven’t been many innings of substance from the right-hander except for one knock against SRH. It is not that he is hitting the ball badly either. The Indian Test vice-captain is just trying too hard and is drifting away from his natural game slightly.

Even if his runs don’t come at a great pace, it is important for him to stay in the middle for as long as possible as he can make up for it later on. With someone like Jos Buttler as his partner, Rahane never needs to worry about the scoring rates. The English cricketer is in good form and is due for a big knock.

Middle Order (Sanju Samson (wk), Rahul Tripathi, Ashton Turner)

Sanju Samson has recovered from his niggles and was back for the last game which is a huge positive for RR. He also kept the wickets and might continue to do the same. The RR management seems to be firm about batting this Kerala batsman at number three. Hence, there is no point sticking around with Steve Smith if he bats at four. Smith’s best knocks this season came while he batted at three.

Thus, Ashton Turner might replace him. The Royals have anyways struggled with the way they are finishing the innings. The young Australian cricketer could be the perfect addition into their side. Meanwhile, Rahul Tripathi can be promoted up the order and he can bat at number four.

All Rounders (Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag)

Looking at the way Ben Stokes in playing, his position in the side is not cemented either. He bowled a poor last over against CSK and didn’t do great with the bat as well. Stokes only scored 28 runs off 26 balls in the last match. Had he played a little more aggressive cricket, his team could have been in a much better position.

Riyan Parag did a decent job for his team on his debut. He is just 17 years old but managed to keep the likes of Ambati Rayudu and MS Dhoni under check. Thus, he might get another opportunity in Mumbai where are playing conditions are comparatively much better.

Bowlers (Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni)

Jofra Archer has been the best bowler for RR this season. The English pacer has managed to keep everyone quite and is also accounting for some important wickets. He will have a much bigger role to play against Mumbai Indians. RR should look to bowl at least three of his overs at the death. Shreyas Gopal has been another impressive bowler for the Royals.

He should enjoy bowling at the Wankhede where there is some assistance for the spinners. The team could continue with Jaydev Unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni. RR should trust the left-arm pacer during the death overs as he is their best option available.

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