IPL 2022: Qualifier 1 - Predicted Rajasthan Royals Playing XI vs Gujarat Titans

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on a strong opponent in the form of Gujarat Titans (GT) in their Qualifier 1 match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The Royals have played some good cricket throughout the competition and now it is their chance to replicate the antics of IPL 2008 and lift the trophy.

However, their task will not be any easy as they will have to face the new entrants GT, who have been a tough side to beat in the tournament so far. The likes of Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan are in good touch and they would look to give their 100% to ensure that RR does not spoil their plans.

For RR, Jos Buttler may not have been in full flow for the past few matches, but skipper Sanju Samson, Ravichandran Ashwin and young batter Yashasvi Jaiswal have been providing some vital contributions. With the IPL reaching its business end, it is very unlikely that RR would look to change their playing XI. They would look to play with the same winning combination.

Here’s a look at the Rajasthan Royals’ predicted playing XI against Gujarat Titans for the Qualifier 1:

Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler

Opener Jos Buttler has not been in the best of his form in the last few matches. However, the English batter holds a lot of experience in batting up the order and would look to play an impactful knock for RR in the all-important Qualifier 1. At present, he sits right at the top of the list of highest run-scorers this season after amassing 629 runs in just 14 matches including three centuries and as many half-centuries.

His partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal was in top-notch form against CSK during their last group stage match. The left-handed batter stroked 59 runs from 44 balls with a strike rate of 134.09. Jaiswal also smashed eight fours and one six in his innings. The young batter would wish to continue his good form against the Gujarat Titans as well.

Middle-Order: Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk) and Shimron Hetmyer

The middle-order of Rajasthan Royals consisting of Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer, failed to get going during the last match against CSK. Barring Samson who made just 15 runs, both the other left-handed batters did not even cross the double-digit mark and left their team in a lurch against CSK.

However, skipper Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer both have played some valuable knocks throughout the tournament. Devdutt Padikkal has also played a few handy knocks during the second half of the tournament. It will be interesting to see if the middle-order of RR can handle the pressure of performing well in the playoffs and ensure a sweet victory for their side.

All-Rounders: Riyan Parag and Ravichandran Ashwin

Senior player Ravichandran Ashwin was adjudged the “Player of the Match” for his vital contribution with both bat and ball during their previous game against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Ashwin scored 40* off just 23 balls and also scalped the prized wicket of the left-handed batter Devon Conway. He would wish to emulate his performance in the upcoming Qualifier 1 against GT.

Riyan Parag hasn’t had the greatest of the seasons in IPL 2022. However, the right-hander has been contributing well with his efforts while fielding. Parag remained unbeaten during his last match as he scored 10 runs, stroking one boundary in the process. Parag played a perfect partner for Ashwin who had gone all guns blazing at the other end.

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal and Prasidh Krishna

New Zealand pacer Trent Boult was quite expensive in the previous match, but he also scalped one wicket for his team. He would wish to provide some early breakthroughs for RR against the Titans in Qualifier 1. Similarly, Prasidh Krishna has also been bowling well with the new ball and would look to play a perfect partner to Trent Boult.

Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal and Obed McCoy were quite impressive in their last outing, as they scalped two wickets each. Both Chahal and McCoy were very economical as they gave away 26 and 20 runs respectively in their full four-over quota. They would like to replicate their performance in the crucial contest against GT as it will help them to directly qualify for the finals of IPL 2022.

Rajasthan’s predicted playing XI for the GT Clash: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Obed McCoy, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna.