Indian Premier League (IPL)

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

Mighty overseas star-power, the focus as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 of Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE.

RR might be one of the few sides that would linger on the unhappier side with regards to the relocation of IPL to UAE. The team is built upon overseas stars, who are experienced on Indian pitches, but the advantage might take a beating in the UAE.

That said, RR’s team composition is still diverse, and might pull off a few surprises in the competition. A team brim with budding cricketers, everyone would be excited to watch RR take the field next season.


Rajasthan Royals (RR) Squad for IPL 2020 UAE:

Batsmen: Anuj Rawat (WK), David Miller, Jos Buttler (WK), Manan Vohra, Robin Uthappa, Sanju Samson (WK), Shashank Singh, and Steve Smith.

All-rounders:  Anirudha Joshi, Ben Stokes, Mahipal Lomrar, Riyan Parag, Tom Curran, and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Bowlers: Akash Singh, Andrew Tye, Ankit Rajpoot, Jaydev Unadkat, Jofra Archer, Kartik Tyagi, Mayank Markhande, Rahul Tewatia, Shreyas Gopal, Oshane Thomas, and Varun Aaron


So, looking at the squad composition and pitches in UAE, what could be the strongest predicted playing 11 for Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2020. Let’s have a look in this article.

Openers:

Jos Buttler (WK) || Yashasvi Jaiswal

Donning the vital role as a beginner, the performance of Jos Buttler would heavily impact RR’s display in the game. A solid timer of the ball Jos is far better off playing against pacers than spinners. But, to be successful in UAE, Buttler would have to play the spinners well too. 

The teenage prodigy, Yashasvi Jaiswal is likely to be preferred over Mahipal Lomror in this line-up. The Mumbai teenager’s batting abilities are well-known as an opener, but it would be the addition of his useful leggies that could help him edge out the others in the playing XI.

Middle-order:

Robin Uthappa || Sanju Samson || Steve Smith (C)

RR’s middle-order would yet again boast of quality IPL experience. Robin Uthappa comes into the team, replacing Ajinkya Rahane. Although in terms of gameplay, they are roughly identical, in switching to the cruise control mode, Robbie is a stabler pick.

Sanju Samson would view this season as an extremely important one in his career. A pleasant outing, and Sanju might well be back in the scheme of things for Team India. From RR’s outlook too, Sanju would have to adopt greater responsibilities in IPL 2020, which he is definitely capable of. 

The captain of the squad, Steve Smith should bat at 5, but could move up the order, if needed. He is a class act, and he wouldn’t consume much time in adapting to the UAE conditions. As is the case with the other teams he represents, Smith would be one of the most important batsmen in this line-up.

All-rounders:

Ben Stokes || Riyan Parag

As compared to 2017 with RPS, Ben Stokes is yet turn up in his beastly self in the pink, but going by his current performance, it is safe to say that the English all-rounder would have fun in 2020. He is in the form of his life, and it would be disappointing if he doesn’t win more than 3-4 games on his own. 

Riyan Parag showed the glimpse of his talent in IPL 2019. Not only did he play a few crucial knocks, but he also managed to bowl a few tighter spells. He may not be a trump card for RR, but RR would need him to finish a few matches on his own, and also a few overs of spin depending on the situation. 

Bowlers:

Shreyas Gopal || Mayank Markhande || Jofra Archer || Jaydev Unadkat

Shreyas Gopal was the second-best spinner last season having foxed the best of the best including Virat Kohli and Ab de Villiers. Looking at the pitches of UAE, it is definitely possible that Shreyas improves on his wonderful 2019 performance, and help RR win many matches this season.

Many were amazed when RR made the move for Mayank Markhande before the IPL 2020 Auction. He was deemed surplus when there were already established leggies in the team. However, this would turn into a massive advantage with  IPL shifting to the UAE. Any amount of spin is good in UAE, and RR can make good use of it with Markhande’s presence.

Jofra Archer and Jaydev Unadkat would form a decent pair on the pitches of UAE. Archer’s pace and accuracy would be a bonus on any pitch, while Unadkat’s variations would be extra-effective in UAE. There is also plenty of depth in this unit with Andrew Tye, Oshane Thomas, Tom Curran, Ankit, Rahul Tewatia, Rajpoot, Kartik Tyagi, and Varun Aaron- all part of the bench.

The Predicted 11 for Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE:

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

Thanks for reading! If you had to rate RR’s predicted playing 11 for IPL 2020 UAE, what rating would you give? Please, share your thoughts on business@cricalytics.com


ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Special: Rajasthan Royals (RR) Squad Rating for the season


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