IPL 2019: Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

Once again, the Rajasthan Royals were at the heart of the auction and picked up some players for hefty prices. They bought the service of nine players and will be eager to replicate their first season heroics after a 4th-place finish in the previous edition.

They have two good options to lead the contingent, but Steve Smith is highly likely to leave after April 25th. On paper, it seems like they got all the facets covered, but their fast bowling line-up seems a bit vulnerable with Jofra Archer being their only star name. It will be interesting to see how they’ll try to fit Oshane Thomas in the scheme of things.

Team mentor Shane Warne is a club legend and has been associated with the side right from the outset of this grandiose tournament. He will try to nourish these young talents once again and his expertise will matter big time for the franchise.

Here’s the predicted XI of the Royals ahead of IPL 2019:

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

Jos Buttler is averaging over 55 as an opener in T20s since IPL 2018 and given he’s fit and healthy for the tournament, there’s no way anyone else will take his spot. The Englishman is game for any challenge that comes his way and although he’ll be available for 5-7 games, his renditions will be crucial. Liam Livingstone might come to the fore once he departs.

Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the lines for the Royals and not a lot of changes are expected in his approach. He’s pretty underrated as a T20 player but will be pivotal as the tournament progresses with most senior players departing for International duties.

Middle order (Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi)

Steve Smith will be back and that’s priceless for the side. He makes them instantly good with his presence and his ability to play the turning and swinging ball equally well makes him a potent weapon. The only constraint for him will be the huge one year gap, which might keep him a tad rusty.

Sanju Samson cost them Rs. 8 crore and the Kerala batsman didn’t disappoint. He registered some big knocks but faltered towards the business end, something he will be keen to avoid. Rahul Tripathi is another key man in that batting line, he isn’t batting in his preferred opening slot here but has expectations on him to deliver the goods.

All-rounders (Ben Stokes, Krishnappa Gowtham)

Ben Stokes once again will be a key member for the side in the first half of the tournament. He had a torrid outing last edition, but the management has entrusted him with another chance. The big money man will keep repaying the debt with some impact performances in the times to come.

Krishnappa Gowtham was a huge talking point when the side rendered his service for a huge Rs. 6.2 crore and the all-rounder showed a lot of promise. If he had lived up to the price tag was debatable, but his rendition was good enough to entrust him with another shot at the dice.

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

Jofra Archer and Dhawal Kulkarni will be huge for the bowling unit this upcoming season. Whilst Archer brings an X-Factor with him, Kulkarni’s experience will be banked upon for the whole tournament. Their success will depend significantly on their performances.

The fast bowler with a big fat cheque, Jaydev Unadkat will be hogging a lot of limelight. Shreyas Gopal is the other bowling option. The leg-spinner has done well and is a contributor with the bat as well. Last season Gopal played 11 matches and his partnership with statemate Gowtham will be key for the Royals with both bat and ball.

Here is the Rajasthan Royals squad for IPL 2019:

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