IPL 2023: Match 26, Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted Playing XI vs Lucknow Super Giants

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be playing their first home game of the Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL) at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium as they take on second-placed Lucknow Super Giants on Wednesday, April 19. Rajasthan Royals stayed at the top of the points table, as they pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win over reigning champions Gujarat Titans in their last game.

While chasing a 178-run target in Ahmedabad, Sanju Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer piloted Rajasthan to a sensational chase. which seemed quite impossible at one point. The result and the current position reflect their overall campaign and they are expected to be more efficient at home in the upcoming game.

Riyan Parag's form remains a big worry for Rajasthan and the youngster is expected to be replaced by Devdutt Padikkal for the upcoming game. The pace all-rounder Jason Holder is also expected to return to the playing XI and take Adam Zampa's place as Jaipur's pitch is expected to favour pacers more. Notably, Rajasthan Royals have won both of their group-stage games against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 and are clear favourites to stretch the winning streak in the upcoming fixture.

Here’s Rajasthan Royals’ predicted XI against Lucknow Super Giants:

Openers: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal

Jos Buttler was bowled out on a duck against Gujarat Titans in the last game as he struggled to take off despite facing five deliveries. Buttler has already scored three fifties in IPL 2023 and remains the favourite to retain the IPL Orange Cap with 204 runs from five innings. Rajasthan fans will be hoping for a big knock from the English batter as a win against Lucknow will further cement their top spot.

Yashasvi Jaiswal pulled off two impressive half-centuries from the opening three games in IPL 2023 but has struggled to replicate the same in the last two games. He managed to score just one run after playing seven deliveries against Gujarat Titans. However, the youngster was the leading run-getter for Rajasthan when both teams last played each other and will aim to showcase another sublime batting performance on Wednesday.

Middle Order: Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel

Sanju Samson played a captain's knock against Gujarat Titans in the last game to win two crucial points for his team. Samson top-scored with 60 off just 32 with the help of three fours and six sixes, including three back-to-back sixes off Rashid Khan in the 13th over, which kept Rajasthan in the hunt. Samson was dismissed for ducks in the previous two games but his latest knock clears early doubts over his form. 

While Devdutt Padikkal came in as an impact player after Jaiswal's early dismissal and played another impactful knock. Riyan Parag returned to the playing XI against Gujarat Titans as the management handed the youngster another chance. But Padikkal is expected to start in the playing eleven ahead of him should Rajasthan Royals get to bat first.

Shimron Hetmyer bagged the Player of the Match for his sensational knock of 56* off 26 against Gujarat Titans. The West Indies big-hitter has been the best finisher in IPL 2023 so far with 183 runs from just five innings at a strike rate of 184.84, remaining unbeaten in four games.

Dhruv Jurel showcased his finishing skills against Gujarat Titans by adding crucial 18 runs off just 10 with one six and two fours. With Riyan Parag failing to perform up to expectations, the youngster has emerged as a surprise big-hitter for Rajasthan this season.

All-rounder: Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder

Ravichandran Ashwin was the only Rajasthan bowler to not pick any wickets against Gujarat Titans and also conceded runs at an economy rate of 9.3. But he showed his all-round skills by smashing a six and a four from three balls to continue the momentum while chasing a tough total. Ashwin has taken six wickets and has contributed with a bat whenever he got the chance in IPL 2023 so far.

Jason Holder was a surprise omission from the playing eleven against Gujarat Titans as the management preferred an extra spinner in the form of Adam Zampa. But the Caribbean all-rounder is expected to return to the playing eleven as Jaipur's pitch is likely to favour pacers over spinners.

Bowlers: Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Trent Boult gave Rajasthan Royals a sensational start with a wicket in the opening over on his return to the playing eleven. However, he conceded 46 runs and failed to get more wickets in his remaining three overs. Boult has taken six wickets from four innings in IPL 2023 so far and is the only Rajasthan bowler to register maiden overs so far.

Sandeep Sharma was the best bowler for Rajasthan in the last game against Gujarat as he took two wickets while conceding just 25 runs. Sandeep conceded just six runs with Shubman Gill's wicket in the 16th over and dismissed David Miller in the 20th over to deny Gujarat a big total. 

Yuzvendra Chahal took just one wicket with 9.0 runs per over against Gujarat but has been the best bowler for Rajasthan Royals this season. Chahal has taken 11 wickets from five innings at an economy rate of 7.85 in IPL 2023 as he currently leads the wickets chart with Mark Wood and Rashid Khan. 

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted XI

Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Devdutt Padikkal, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jason Holder, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Yuzvendra Chahal

Rajasthan Royals (RR) Probable Impact Players

Riyan Parag, Kuldeep Sen, Joe Root, Adam Zampa, Navdeep Saini