IPL 2019 – Match 4: Rajasthan Royals vs Kings XI Punjab – RR Predicted Playing XI

In a bid to replicate their heroics from the inaugural season, the Rajasthan Royals kick-start their 12th edition at home against a very compact looking Kings XI Punjab side. The Royals over the years have created an image for themselves as the team which promotes young talents profusely and continuing the same, they picked up some great young talents in their side.

Despite missing the services of Steve Smith, the Royals managed to enter the playoffs last season. Jos Buttler had a great run in the tournament and that had a crucial role to play in their success. They eventually lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator, eventually finishing 4th.

Despite the chopping and changing, the side looks pretty similar. Rahane will continue to lead the side but to have Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler’s assistance in decision making will be a huge boost. Here’s the predicted XI they might plant for their opening match on Monday.

Openers – Ajinkya Rahane (C), Jos Buttler (wk)

India’s feature number 4 in the previous World Cup, Ajinkya Rahane now finds himself out of contention for the limited overs side. The classy Mumbaikar has lost his consistent touch of late and has been struggling to get big scores to his name. Yet, he is a capable leader and will perform his heart out to get back in contention.

Arguably Rajasthan’s best player last season, Jos Buttler will now be available for a short period of time due to the World Cup in England and Wales. Yet, in the games he will appear, the Englishman will be keen to leave his mark, just the way he did with over 500 runs last season.

Middle Order – Steve Smith, Sanju Samson

The returning ranger Steve Smith will be hogging an awful lot of attention as he prepares to play his first match in the IPL since the 2017 edition of the T20 extravaganza. He was the captain of the Rising Pune Supergiant side which lost the final by 2 runs and now, with the Royals, he will be desperate to go one step further.

One of Rajasthan Royals’ best finds in the IPL, Sanju Samson impressed one and all with his blitzkrieg last season. Despite all his brilliant knocks, he still got overshadowed by some other young talents and never got into contention for the national side. This could well be one of the biggest seasons of his career.

All-rounders – Ben Stokes, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer

The world is aware of the quality Ben Stokes brings to every side he goes. With the bat and ball, he is an absolute gem to have in the side and he was also awarded the MVP award in 2017 during his time with the Pune franchise. He will once again be in the company of Steve Smith and he definitely would relish that.

Krishnappa Gowtham showed glimpses of what he is capable and this time, the fans have some expectations from the Karnataka all-rounder. Another extremely talented cricketer in their side is Jofra Archer, who adds great strength with his exceptional bowling and ball-striking ability.

Bowlers – Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni, Varun Aaron

Shreyas Gopal can bat if needed, but he will primarily be used as a bowler for the Royals. He will be forming a spin-partnership with his Karnataka teammate Gowtham. The vast experience of Dhawal Kulkarni is another great boon for the side.

Jaydev Unadkat once again went into the auction and once again, his asking price was pretty high. Yet, Rajasthan did get him back in their side and they also roped in the experienced Jharkhand pacer Varun Aaron, who can be a crucial asset with the extra pace he can chip in with.

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