IPL 2019: RR vs KXIP - Predicted Overseas players for Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals won the first edition of the Indian Premier League against all odds. Since then, they have never even qualified for the final of the tournament. The team led by Ajinkya Rahane would be determined to set this record straight this time.

Last season, RR came back after completing their two-year suspension due to the involvement of players in match-fixing. The team based in Jaipur reached the playoffs but they were knocked out by Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator. They would be hoping to do better this time around as they start their campaign against King XI Punjab.

Kings XI Punjab have only reached the playoffs twice in the eleven seasons of the tournament. They last reached the playoff stage in 2014 when they were beaten by KKR in the final. RR have a good opportunity to get off to a great start to the season with a win over KXIP, but they would need their overseas players to step up.

#4 Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler had a big role to play in changing the fortunes of the Rajasthan Royals last season. While he struggled in the middle order, he was brilliant as an opener as he scored five fifties. He scored 548 runs in the tournament before he had to leave due to International duty.

Rajasthan missed his batting in the playoff vs KKR, as they were knocked out in the eliminator. He would be crucial to the chances of Rajasthan Royal this season, too, as he has the ability to provide good starts consistently.

The English wicket-keeper batsman can play shots all around the ground, which makes it almost impossible to set a field to stop him. While he can hit the sixes straight over the bowler's head, he can bring the same result by scooping it over wicketkeeper's head. KXIP bowlers must dismiss him early or he can do some damage.

#3 Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Steve Smith missed the last season of the IPL after being caught in the ball tampering scandal. This season, he will return to the game after completing his suspension. One year is a long time and some people have seemed to forget that he is one of the best batsmen of this generation.

While his record is exceptional in Test cricket, it is brilliant in other formats too. The right-handed batsman has a very good record in the IPL. The 29-year-old played a pivotal role in the success of the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiants. He led the team to the final before they lost the final to Mumbai Indians.

The right-hander was brilliant with the bat too, as he scored 472 runs at an average of close to 40. Steve Smith can provide solidity to the batting line up of RR, as he can hold the batting together while other big hitters can play around him.

#2 Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer

When Rajasthan Royals decided to bid 7.2 crore rupees for Jofra Archer in 2018 IPL Auction, some eyebrows were raised. But his performances in the last edition has made that huge sum look like a bargain. He announced himself by impressing on his IPL debut by picking three wickets against Mumbai Indians.

Archer won the man of the match award and RR management knew that they got themselves a gem. The Barbadian pacer took 15 wickets in the season and impressed everyone with his genuine speed. He has the ability to hit the speeds of 150 kmph, which can send chills down the spine of even the most accomplished batsmen.

While he didn't get much chance to show his ability with the bat last season, we have seen in other leagues that he can use the long handle well. The 23-year-old can prove to be the trump card of Rajasthan Royals yet again.

#1 Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes

There are some batting all-rounders while there are some bowling all-rounders but there are very few genuine all-rounders. Ben Stokes is one of the rare breeds of cricketers who are equally potent in both disciplines. This makes him an asset to any team in any format of the game.

It makes sense that Rising Pune Supergiants paid a staggering 12.5 crores to sign him, which is a record for an overseas player. He was very impressive in the first campaign but he was poor by his standards in 2018. The left-handed batsman seemed to be affected by the lack of cricket due to a ban imposed on him by ECB.

He would be in much better rhythm coming into this season for RR. He can take the game forward with the bat in hand in the middle order. On the other hand, he can disrupt the rhythm of the opponents by chipping in with wickets in the middle overs.