RR Predicted Playing XI vs KXIP: Sportsrush presents before you Predicted Playing XI of RR’s IPL 2019 season opener against KXIP.
Two of the most strongly built sides in the IPL, and two of the most unluckiest, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab face each other at Jaipur. The two heavyweights only share one IPL title amongst them, which shows their inability to find success throughout the tournament.
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Rajasthan Royals finished fourth in the IPL table last season, as they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the Eliminator. The Royals will be hoping to begin the new season on a winning note, as they are also boosted by the return of seasoned campaigner, Steve Smith.
The Sports Rush predicts the playing XI that the Royals might opt for in the clash against the Kings XI Punjab:
Ajinkya Rahane (c):
The veteran Indian batsman has been in and out of the international team but he will be captaining the Rajasthan Royals again this season. Having 320 runs against Kings XI Punjab, Rahane will have to fire to give Rajasthan a good start.
Joss Buttler (wk):
The Englishman has been in sensational form and has been one of the best attacking players in the world right now. He averages 92 in the powerplay, and will be one of the biggest threats for the opposition.
Steve Smith:
The Australian superstar will be returning after missing out last season due to a ban following the ball-tampering controversy. Smith will be hoping to be back among the runs before the start of the all-important World Cup.
Sanju Samson:
Once being named as one of the most emerging talents in the country, Samson has not yet found his feet in the international arena. Samson, however, has been a mainstay in the Rajasthan line-up and will be hoping to continue is impressive performances in the blue jersey.
Rahul Tripathi:
Rahul Tripathi’s calmness and accumulating abilities will be of great importance here as he follows a string of explosive batsmen in the Rajasthan line-up. His role will be instrumental in helping the Royals set a good total or possibly chase one.
Ben Stokes:
The English all-rounder’s brilliant capabilities with both the bat and the ball will easily help him slide into any T20 playing XI in the world. His left-handed batting and right-arm medium pacers will be key for the Royals against Kings XI.
Krishnappa Gowtham:
K Gowtham was one of the most consistent performers for the Royals last season, coming in handy with his off-break and his hard-hitting abilities. Rahane will be using Gowtham in the power play, considering that the Kings XI batters might struggle against the spinner.
Jofra Archer:
Jofra Archer’s fiery bowling and ability to hit the long ball will be important for the Royals, who will be relying heavily on him towards the end of the innings.
Dhawal Kulkarni:
Dhawal Kulkarni’s right arm-medium pacers with the new ball will be instrumental for the Royals rather inexperienced bowling line-up, as the 29-year-old will be hoping to use his experience in favor of the home team.
Jaydev Unadkat:
The left-arm pacer disappointed one and all after the huge price tag that he had in the IPL auction last year. However, he is still retained by the Royals, and Unadkat will be itching to perform and repay the trust of the management in him.
Shreyas Gopal:
Gopal is the most likely to be partnering Gowtham as the spinners in the squad, with his leg-
breaks being of good use at the Jaipur pitch. With that being said, Gopal will be earning a place
in the XI, unless an overseas player is compromised for Ish Sodhi.
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