IPL 2018, RCB vs RR: Rajasthan Royals’ probable playing XI for the game in Bangalore

Rajasthan Royals are one of the two teams that have made a comeback to the IPL this year. However, their return wasn’t as celebrated as that of Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In the first game, Rajasthan Royals were outplayed against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they lost by 9 wickets and 25 balls to spare.

However, with a bit of luck from the rain, the Royals managed to sneak home against Delhi Daredevils, and registered their first win of the tournament.

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With a big test coming up against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the Garden City (Bangalore), let's take a close look at the possible playing XI for Rajasthan Royals.

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Openers

D'Arcy Short and Ajinkya Rahane will be looking to give RR a good start.

Ajinkya Rahane has had an indifferent time in limited-overs cricket leading up to the IPL. But, given the responsibility of captaincy, Rahane has always relished the challenge and has done well.

Having scored 13 and 45 in the first two games respectively, Rahane will be looking to make amends on a ground where he has happy memories (in 2012, he scored his only IPL ton in Bangalore).

In Steve Smith’s absence, D’Arcy Short became a certainty, at least for the first few games of the IPL. However, his IPL career is not off to the best of starts.

He’s scored just 10 runs in the first two games and he is yet to be dismissed by a bowler. Despite starting well, he has been run out in both the games. Hence, he will be itching to get a good score.

Middle-order

Sanju Samson is in good form

Even though Rajasthan Royals have played only two games, Sanju Samson has been their best batsman so far. He was the only batsman who looked fluent in the first game, where he top-scored with 49.

He followed that innings with a very good 37 in 22 balls. He was also awarded the Man of the Match for his 22-ball innings, where he struck 2 fours and 2 sixes.

Ben Stokes is one of the most sought-after cricketers in world cricket. He was also the player of the tournament in the last season. However, he hasn’t quite hit his straps this season.

A back injury has restricted his bowling, while he has been batting in the top 4. He’s scored 21 runs in two games, but his place in the side is never in question, as he has the ability to turn the game at crucial junctures.

Rahul Tripathi was one of the finds for Rising Pune Supergiants last season. But this year, the Pune batsman has donned a new role and has batted in the middle-order. He is getting used to the new role quite well.

He got a start in the first game but, failed to convert it into a decent score. In the second game, he was unbeaten on 15 before rain interrupted and ended RR’s innings.

Regarded as one of best finisher’s in limited-overs cricket, Jos Butler is definitely a game-changer. He has often been used as a floater depending on the situation of the game. He was good in the second game where he scored 29 before he fell to a poor start.

Lower-order and bowlers

Jaydev Unadkat will look to bring his death bowling skills to the fore against a strong RCB batting lineup.

If the net sessions are any indicators, Jofra Archer might make his IPL debut and if he does, he will replace Ben Laughlin. He has been recovering from a side strain he sustained in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

He has the ability to bowl over 140 kmph, and can be a good finisher. He has a strike-rate of 143.38 with the bat and has taken 50 wickets in the 41 T20s he’s played.

Despite a couple of disappointing performances, Krishnappa Gowtham will play. However, if Jofra Archer makes the XI, his workload with the bat might reduce as he is likely to bat at No. 8 in Archer’s presence.

Shreyas Gopal hasn’t had much to do in this IPL. He scored a run-a-ball 18 and had figures of 0/18 in three overs in the first game which RR lost. In the rain-curtailed second game, he didn’t get to bat or ball. Hence, he is likely to continue as the second spinner.

Dhawal Kulkarni is one of the most experienced bowlers in the side. After having figures of 0/18 in the first game, Kulkarni bowled only one over in the six-over innings, and he was very good as he gave just 4 runs to halt DD’s charge. He will most likely be one of the two Indian pacers.

Jaydev Unadkat has had a topsy-turvy last few months. After a successful return to the Indian T20 side against Sri Lanka in December, he was the costliest Indian player in the auctions.

But, he was disappointing in the following tours of South Africa and Sri Lanka (Nidahas Trophy). He has been decent with his performances, as he has taken 2 wickets in as many games. He will be looking to put up a good performance against a strong RCB batting line-up.

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