IPL 2020: Sunil Gavaskar picks ideal Playing XI of Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The 13th season of the Indian Premier League has started in full swing, and matches are turning interesting day by day. Rajasthan Royals are set to kick off their season with a match against three-times champions Chennai Super Kings on September 22. Former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar believes that if franchise’s star Ben Stokes isn’t available for a major part of the league, the team cannot be considered one of the contenders for the IPL title.

With Ben Stokes not being on their side, Gavaskar picked his ideal playing XI for the team. He said he would like to start with young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal along with experienced Jos Buttler. It would also provide the team much needed left-right combination. Steve Smith and Sanju Samson would fit fine at no four and five.

“I will go for Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Jos Buttler because he is a left-hander as well. Steve Smith will come at No.3 with Sanju Samson coming in at No.4, and Riyan Parag can come at No.5,” said Gavaskar in interaction with Sports Tak.

Moving up next in the order, the cricketer chose Manan Vohra for the sixth spot. He also emphasized on the fact that if Stokes would have been there for them, the franchise would have definitely made to the playoffs.

“They have a lot of options, but if Ben Stokes had been available for them, you would have said with surety that this team will reach the knockout stage. But because he is not available, there is a doubt if they can reach the knockout stage,” he added.

Gavaskar’s bowling section for RR

Moving ahead in the bowling section, the player chose Andrew Tye as its foreign pick in case Stokes isn’t there. Talking about the spin section, he threw light on the importance of Shreyas Gopal. Finally, he chose Jofra Archer along with Mayank Markande and Jaydev Unadkat to make the team complete.

“Then they have Jofra Archer who can provide the pace and the yorkers. So, in his four overs and Shreyas Gopal’s four overs, the opposition team may not be able to score too many runs.”

Sunil Gavaskar’s Playing XI: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Steve Smith, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, Manan Vohra, Andrew Tye, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Mayank Markande, Jaydev Unadkat.