IPL 2018: DD v RR, Match 32- Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

The Rajasthan Royals have had an on and off season this Indian Premier League (IPL). While they showed some great skills in a few games, they failed in the others. Furthermore, they lost a few close encounters landing them in a troublesome situation. The Royals batsmen have failed to chase down a target just over 150 in the game against SRH even though they had wickets in hand. However, their bowlers have impressed one and all which is a big positive for them.

Their encounter against DD is as crucial as any other encounter for them. They should expect DD to go hard at them given that DD has nothing to lose and every game is a virtual knockout for them. DD will play with a lot more freedom in their own backyard and Rajasthan will have to be at their best if they are to win this one. The middle-order and the overseas players haven’t fired as much as to the expectations and we could see a change or two in there. Here is Rajasthan’s predicted XI:

Openers (Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi)

Ajinkya Rahane should try to balance his aggression and defensive nature to be more effective in the T20 game. He has either been too aggressive or too defensive thus far in the season. Also, he failed to take his team through against SRH although he remained not out till the end. This will surely disappoint him and we can expect him to come back much stronger and positive in the game against DD.

Rahul Tripathi’s batting position was tinkered around quite a bit this season. However, he is now back to where he belongs, the opening slot. Tripathi tasted some great success with the RPS last year and was expected to replicate the same kind of success this year. But, he failed thus far in the season. It is important for Tripathi and RR to be positive and pile up the runs at the top of the order reducing the burden on the middle order.

Middle Order (Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Heinrich Klaasen)

It is the middle-order that hasn’t really lived up to the expectations for the Royals except for Sanju Samson. Sanju has been brilliant this season with the bat. He helped his team win an important encounter against RCB. In seven games played this season, Sanju has scored 279 runs at an average of 46.5. Yet again, he will hold the key for RR in the encounter against DD.

The middle-order is also likely to see one forced change for this game. Jos Buttler, who has had his struggles facing spin is likely to sit out. In his place, Heinrich Klaasen might come in as he is a much better player of spin. However, it all boils down to how effective he can adjust to the subcontinent conditions. Ben Stokes’ form is a big concern for RR. He failed both with the bat and the ball this season and his form will be crucial going ahead in the tournament.

All Rounders (Mahipal Lomror, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer)

Mahipal Lomror debuted for the Royals in the game against SRH. He didn’t get to bowl a fair bit and failed to score quickly with the bat. However, this youngster is likely to be given another go. He will be complemented by K Gowtham who might bat up the order. Gowtham has performed decently well with the ball and was exceptional with the bat in one game.

Jofra Archer is the third all-rounder on the list. He has bowled brilliantly in the previous games and was spot on with his lines and lengths. Jofra was among the wickets in both the games that he played so far. He picked three wickets in each game and is a definite choice to make it into the eleven.

Bowlers (Dhawal Kulkarni, Ish Sodhi, Jaydev Unadkat)

Dhawal Kulkarni and Jaydev Unadkat are likely to shoulder the burden of pace department for this game. Both of these pacers aren’t in the best of their forms but are the best options available. Unadkat, who had a terrific season last year is having a disastrous tournament currently. He was the most expensive Indian player in the auction but is leaking runs at a fair clip.

Ish Sodhi is likely to play his second game for the Royals. He bowled really well against the Sunrisers and also picked the most important wicket of Kane Williamson. Williamson was looking dangerous before he was foxed by Sodhi. He returned with figures of 3-0-25-1 in that game.

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