IPL 2018: Two Rajasthan Royals stars whose debuts are much anticipated

The Rajasthan Royals have persisted with the same set of overseas players for their first four games of the season. This was something unexpected given the fact that they have a great pool of overseas players in their squad.

Their choice of overseas players have not lived up to the expectations so far, hence the Royals must tinker their eleven for the upcoming matches.

---

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer

The flamboyant Barbados born English fast-medium bowler who is yet to play an International game in his career is an experienced campaigner when it comes to the T20 leagues.

He has played numerous games in the English county, Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League and the Australian Big Bash League. Archer became the latest T20 sensation in the 2017-18 Big Bash League while representing the Hobart Hurricanes.

Archer was instrumental in Hobart Hurricanes' run to the Big Bash final this season, picking up 13 wickets in 17 matches at an economy of 7.88 with his best figures being 3/4. The charismatic youngster performed admirably well this season and impressed everyone with his genuine pace, brilliant fielding and wicket-taking abilities.

His heroics were noticed by many of the IPL franchises and he was eventually bought by the inaugural IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals for a staggering INR 7.2 crore at the 2018 auctions. Archer, who has recovered from the side strain sustained while playing for the Quetta Gladiators in the 2018 Pakistan Super League is yet to make his debut in the Rajasthan colours this season.

Though he was seen practising at the nets in the Chinnaswamy stadium last weekend, he did not feature in the game against the Royal Challengers. In the four matches so far, the Royals have fielded Ben Laughlin who was far from impressive.

Laughlin's bowling does not suit the Indian conditions; hence he might be overlooked for the upcoming games. So, expect a fully-fit Archer to lit up the IPL once he replaces Laughlin in Rajasthan's starting eleven in the coming matches.

---

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen

Klaasen was signed by the Royals after their star batsman and ought-to-be skipper, Steve Smith was banned from the IPL due to his the Sandpaper gate. Klaasen, who made his ODI and T20 debuts against India in February 2018 had a memorable season with the bat in both the ODI and T20 series.

With Buttler struggling for runs and Klaasen in a fine form, one can expect the Royals to make this change to strengthen their middle-order in their next game. Fans expected the inclusion of the player who came in to fill the void left by the classy Steve Smith. Klaasen has all the credentials to excel for the Royals if given a chance in the upcoming games of this season.