IPL 2020: Predicted Playing 11 of Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Cricalytics, Cricket, Cricket News, Indian Premier League, Indian Premier League 2020, IPL, IPL 2020, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals, Riyan Parag, RR, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi JaiswalDecember 27, 20195 years

With overseas players in focus, let’s look at the predicted playing 11 of Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2020.

After an interesting trade window where Rajasthan Royals released Ajinkya Rahane, Dhawal Kulkarni, and K Gowtham, RR went into the IPL 2020 Auction with a hefty purse. They had quite a few gaps to address going into the auction, and they did a decent job overall.

RR acquired the services of Robin Uthappa and Jaydev Unadkat for INR 300L each, while the teenage prodigy, Yashasvi Jaiswal was procured for INR 240L. Arguably their best value for money purchase was that of Killer Miller, who was acquired for just INR 75L.

They also purchased three more overseas players in the form of Andrew Tye, Tom Curran, and Oshane Thomas. Add to this, they traded-in Mayank Markhande and Ankit Rajpoot to boost their bowling.

Analyzing the overall squad, RR seem to have managed a decent squad, but how does their playing 11 look like? Let’s find out the predicted playing 11 of Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2020.

The Overseas Tetrad

Undoubtedly, Rajasthan Royals have one of the most reliable overseas line-ups for the upcoming season. If their four foreign stars can remain fit and in form, this team could go all the way in the tournament.

While Steve Smith will don the captaincy duties, the English trio of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer will form the core of this squad. The management could also base their main strategy for next season around these four cricketers.

On the bench too, there are decent backups in the form of David Miller, Tom Curran, Oshane Thomas, and Tye. All-Inclusive, RR’s fortunes in IPL 2020 will mostly depend on the performance of their overseas stars.

Cut to their domestic set-up, Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Jaydev Unadkat, Shreyas Gopal, and Mayank Markhande will play in the majority of the games. Also, there are a couple of youngsters in the squad, who can be introduced as and when there is a vacancy.

Rajasthan Royals’ playing XI will change mainly depending on the domestic combination they will choose to field. Here are a few options and possibilities RR can look at when it comes to a proper playing 11.

Option 1: 17-year-old, Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top

Having successfully acquired the services of the child prodigy, Yashasvi Jaiswal, RR would be tempted to include him in the playing XI. With a lack of good Indian batsmen, this might not be a bad idea, considering the 17-year-old is a ‘rare’ talent.

The best possible combination to play Yashasvi would be to partner him with Jos Buttler at the top. This way, the youngster can play with a lot more freedom, and can also learn from the experienced Englishman.

However, with this approach, either Robin Uthappa or one of the Indian bowlers will have to sit out. But, for the kind of experience Uthappa brings to the table, he will most probably be part of the playing XI.

Here’s how the playing 11 would look if Yashasvi Jaiswal opens the batting:

Jos Buttler (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (C), Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Mayank Markhande, and Jaydev Unadkat.

Option 2: An extra pacer in place of an all-rounder

While the Top 5 of RR is strong, the team might have to focus a bit more on the bowling unit. Apart from Jofra Archer, none of the front-line bowlers at RR possess a threat or have recent international experience. Hence, the team might be forced to go with an extra pacer in the starting XI.

For this spot, there are many contenders. While Ankit Rajpoot could be preferred, the likes of Varun Aaron and exciting speedster, Akash Singh will offer competition too. However, with an extra quick, RR’s batsmen will have to play more cautiously. Also, for the innate batting talent he possesses, Shreyas Gopal must be promoted to No.7.

In line with this tactic, here’s Rajasthan Royals’ predicted 11 with an extra pacer:

Jos Buttler (WK), Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (C), Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Ankit Rajpoot, Mayank Markhande, and Jaydev Unadkat.

Strongest XI

Overall, Rajasthan Royals are most likely to field Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer as their 4 overseas players. The Indian contingent would be led by Robin Uthappa and Sanju Samson at the top of the batting order.

If provided with ample opportunities, the talented, Riyan Parag could turn out to be the X-Factor for this Team, the glimpses of which he showed in IPL 2019.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) strongest predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020:

Jos Buttler (WK), Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith (C), Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag, Mahipal Lomrar, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Mayank Markhande, and Jaydev Unadkat.

So, that’s how Rajasthan Royals (RR) stand when it comes to their predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020. What changes you would have made to the playing 11? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com

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