IPL 2015 - Rajasthan Royals' ideal playing XI

Picking a talented unknown cricketer out of nowhere and slotting him in the playing XI straightaway is something you always associate with the Rajasthan Royals. The inaugural IPL Champions have always been known for their brand of Cricket and Rahul Dravid's presence over the years has also made them the neutral's favourites.No matter what playing XI you predict for them, in the end you must always expect the unexpected. Going forward to this season, they have 13 uncapped players in their squad and in all likelihood, most of them would be getting a look-in at some stage of the tournament. Inspite of that, let's take a look at their ideal playing XI:

#1 Ajinkya Rahane

Mumbai Indians have always had a star-studded line-up, so for someone who wasn’t known for his T20 exploits, Ajinkya Rahane had to move elsewhere in order to play regularly, and Royals gave him the perfect platform.

Since then, he hasn’t looked back as he is one of the first names on their team sheet. Last season, he was their joint top run getter and this time he would be looking to perform even better.

Back-up – Dishant Yagnik

#2 Karun Nair

One of those uncapped Indian players on whom the Royals will be dependant on is Karun Nair. He formed a formidable opening partnership with Rahane last season and the Jaipur based franchise will be banking on him to keep up the good work. He scored at a strike rate of 142 and had an average of 33.

He came to the party for Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy final this season with a mammoth triple century.

#3 Shane Watson

The Captain needs to bat at number 3. The Royals management made a blunder last season by sending him out during the middle overs and at the end of the innings too at times. Watson was heavily under utilised as he loves facing the new ball and scores heavily at the beginning which helps him settle before the spinners come in.

Last season, Sanju Samson regularly batted at number 3, but if Watson fires at his best, then the kind of impact that he can have is unmatchable. He will be very crucial to their success as he can also transform the same form with the ball.

#4 Sanju Samson

He is quite possibly the successor to MS Dhoni for Team India at least in limited overs Cricket in the future. But he is too young and right now needs to focus on doing the job for his team.

He was the joint top run-getter for his side last season and sending him in at number 4 would be ideal for the Royals. Slotting him in-between Watson and Smith would help him grow as a batsman.

Back-up – Dishant Yagnik

#5 Steven Smith

The toast of the world right now, Steven Smith’s responsibility will be at an all-time high. He will be a regular name in the team sheet and the Royals will be pinning a lot of hopes on him as he will be asked to fill the void left by Brad Hodge who did his role as a finisher to perfection previously.

His hitting prowess will also be coming to the fore now, something which we didn’t see a lot in recent times since he batted at number 3 for Australia.

Back-up – Deepak Hooda

#6 Stuart Binny

His performances for the Royals earned him a national call-up. Even though he was consistent in the domestic circuit, it was his handy overs in the IPL and some blistering late order hitting against some of the world’s best bowlers that brought him recognition.

But sadly for the Royals, he was off colour last season. It’s time he makes up for it this time as he will have a very important role to do at number 6.

Back-up – Abhishek Nayar

#7 James Faulkner

Similar to Binny, Faulkner needs to step up. Sending these two at number 6 and 7 will give them more responsibility as they both have the ability to finish off games to perfection.

In Faulkner’s case, apart from his hitting abilities, the Royals will be very keen to get the best out of him as a bowler especially since he is known for delivering those perfect yorkers and slower deliveries at the death. He came to the limelight during the 2013 edition but faded away last year. The World Cup finals’ man of the match has to put up his hand again!

Back-up – Ben Cutting

#8 Rajat Bhatia

The veteran has been outstanding in recent editions and it makes you wonder how he never got to play for India all these years. He is 35 years old, but the Royals will be banking on him to repeat his recent performances. He was handy last season, and more than handy the season before for KKR.

Apart from his bowling, he is also an experienced lower order hitter. So having him at number 8 will give the top order batsmen some much-needed license.

Back-up – Abhishek Nayar

#9 Chris Morris

Will this buy prove to be great? We will have to wait and see, and the Chris Morris’ recent form suggests that it could well be a masterstroke. Having played for CSK already, Morris knows how to bowl in these conditions and is also specialised at the death.

Some people would have expected to see Tim Southee ahead of him, but Morris is much better economically. Perhaps when they play at Jaipur where the pitch has been pacer friendly in recent years, then they can opt for Southee or even someone like Kane Richarson.

Back-up – Tim Southee

#10 Dhawal Kulkarni

Another bowler who can be very lethal in helpful conditions is Dhawal Kulkarni. He has the ability to move the ball both ways and his recent good form helped him earn a spot in the national side.

He played 8 matches for the Royals last season, but wasn’t very effective as he picked up only 6 wickets at an economy of more than 8. This time though, he would be hoping for better returns.

Back-up – Vikramjeet Malik

#11 Pravin Tambe

The fairytale run will continue as the 43-year-old Pravin Tambe is all set to bamboozle batsmen again with his leg spin. He picked up 15 wickets in the 2014 edition with an economy of 7.2.

Batsmen found him tough to play against and in the field he was as good as a 25-year-old. The Royals have kept faith in him to play on for another season and the veteran is all set to be their first choice spinner ahead of some youngsters.

Back-up – Ankit Sharma