IPL 2019 – Match 45: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – RR Predicted Playing XI

For the second time this season, there will be just one game played on Saturday. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be facing the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 45 of IPL 2019. A change of leadership seems to be working right for the Royals. Out of the last three games under Steve Smith, they have won two and need to win all the remaining matches to stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

However, with the return of the English players, the hosts have now lost two of their match-winners. While Ben Stokes might not be missed much, losing Jofra Archer is going to be a massive blow. However, the team has got some good replacement options available and will look to make the best use of the resources available.

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

Openers (Sanju Samson (wk), Ajinkya Rahane)

Sanju Samson has got to starts in most of the matches that he’s played this season. While he is a cricketer brimming with immense talent, temperament has been his biggest nemesis. Even in the last match, he got out while trying to play an unnecessary ‘cute’ shot. A few dots in the middle overs shouldn’t affect him and he should look to play the big knock.

Ajinkya Rahane’s timely return to form has been a huge boost for the RR team. The 30-year-old Mumbaikar is providing the team with starts and is also scoring at a good pace. The former RR skipper, however, should look to ensure that he stays in the middle at least till the 13th or 14th over.

Middle Order (Steve Smith (c), Ashton Turner)

After scoring two back-to-back fifties, Steve Smith was dismissed for a single-digit score in the previous encounter against KKR. Just like his mate David Warner, this should well be his penultimate game of the season as he will be leaving after the game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). While he is a terrific leader, Smith’s contribution with the bat will remain important for RR.

Since Ben Stokes isn’t available, the Royals have got two options now. While the first one is Ashton Turner who bagged ducks in all of his last five T20 matches, the other is Liam Livingstone. Smith and the management, though, might give their vote to Ashton Turner. He is just one knock away from being back at his best and will have a critical role to play in case the team qualifies for the playoffs.

All Rounders (Riyan Parag, Stuart Binny)

Riyan Parag, one of the emerging players in IPL 2019, has been highly impressive. The way he remained calm and composed in the pressure situation in the last game was great. Almost single-handedly, he took his team over the winning line. For someone who is just 17-years-old, this is exceptional. However, he has missed out on scoring his maiden IPL fifty twice now and will look to get there in the next game.

Stuart Binny can take a cue from the young Parag. The all-rounder has got all the shots in his book and can hit the long ball. However, he took an unnecessary risk in the last game which didn’t pay rewards. Binny should look to pace his innings and take calculated risks as there isn’t much batting to come after him.

Bowlers (Shreyas Gopal, Ish Sodhi, Jaydev Unadkat, Oshane Thomas, Varun Aaron)

New Zealand cricketer Ish Sodhi might take the place of Jofra Archer for the next game. Since he is tall, he can extract some additional bounce and will be able to complement Shreyas Gopal well. Windies pacer Oshane Thomas was highly impressive in his maiden IPL outing. He will hold onto his spot and will be crucial at the death.

RR has got no other option but to field Jaydev Unadkat. The team hasn’t got adequate death bowling reserves and Unadkat is the best option available. Varun Aaron was highly impressive against the Kolkata Knight Riders and has had a good domestic season. He will continue to feature in the eleven.

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