IPL 2018, Match 43, RR vs CSK - Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

The Rajasthan Royals registered a very crucial win in their previous game against the Kings XI Punjab. The match, which was played in Jaipur, was like a virtual knockout game for the Royals in the context of making it to the playoffs. They were desperate to win the game and they managed to eke out a narrow win despite KL Rahul’s fight in the game for the Kings.

Now, even after the win, the road does not ease out for the Rajasthan Royals. They are still in dire straits. They need to win all their remaining games in the season to ensure that they make it to the playoffs. Luckily for them, the action stays back in Jaipur at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. They will be hosting the Chennai Super Kings in the big clash on Friday.

The Chennai Super Kings are in a tremendous form this season. A couple of more wins and they will storm in to the playoffs. Certainly, it will not be easy for the Royals to outclass the Super Kings. Considering the current run of form, the Royals will have to play their best cricket to beat the Super Kings. And to do so, they will need a very competent eleven on the field.

Here is the Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI for the match:

Openers (Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler)

The Rajasthan Royals finally got their calculations right when they let Ajinkya Rahane open with Jos Buttler in the previous game. Albeit Rahane did not score well in the game, his exploits at the top of the order is known to all. He has been in a decent form for the Royals this season.

On the other hand, Jos Buttler has made the opening slot his own in the last three games. The English batsman has hit three consecutive fifties in the season and is a big force at the top of the order. The Royals would expect him to come all guns blazing in the game against CSK as well.

Middle-Order (Sanju Samson)

The Royals middle-order is largely dominated by the all-rounders. There is one specialist batsman in the list though. Sanju Samson has been a key player for the team this season. He seems to have lost his touch in the recent games but continues to be the mainstay of the middle-order for the Men in Blue.

All-rounders (Ben Stokes, K Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Stuart Binny)

The Rajasthan Royals are an all-rounders heavy team. They have Ben Stokes in their lineup. Stokes is a big name in the competition but he has largely failed to live up to the expectations this year. With the playoffs coming close, the Royals would hope that Stokes hits his purple patch soon.

The all-rounder who has been the star for the Royals this season is K Gowtham. Gowtham has been magnificent with the new ball. He has been a wicket taking bowler in the powerplay and has also won a game for his side with the bat. Do not be surprised to see him promoted up the order in the match.

Jofra Archer is a T20 specialist and he has rightly shown why he is such a highly regarded cricketer in the format. Every time he is introduced in to the attack, he has looked like a certain candidate to take a wicket. He is yet to deliver with the bat though.

Stuart Binny got his opportunity to play in the previous game. He announced his arrival in style with a towering six to start things off. However, he was run out soon after. It will only be unfair to drop Binny without giving him a due share of chance to perform.

Spinners (Ish Sodhi, Mahipal Lomror)

The spin department for the Royals found a very able bowler in Ish Sodhi. Sodhi has played only two matches this season but has certainly made a mark. In the most recent game, he bowled a highly economical spell giving away just 14 runs in four overs.

Along with Sodhi, Mahipal Lomror provides the spin bowling option. The team can go ahead with Shreyas Gopal in the lineup at the expense of Lomror but that is unlikely. Lomror is more capable with the bat and hence is a good addition in the lower middle order.

Pace bowlers (Jaydev Unadkat, Anureet Singh)

The pace bowling department of the Rajasthan Royals has been a concern for them. While Jofra Archer has bowled exceedingly well with sheer pace, the specialist pacers in the lineup have failed to deliver. Much to their respite, Jaydev Unadkat came good in the previous game.

Unadkat showed signs of an improved form in the previous match. He was accompanied by Anureet Singh in the department. Anureet only got one over to bowl in the game. He will be itching to get his complete quota of overs in the matches to come.

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