IPL 2018, Match 53, RR vs RCB - Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

The stage is all set for the virtual knockout game in Jaipur. In the Royal derby, the Rajasthan Royals will be hosting the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the day game. Coming in to the game, both teams will arrive with similar run of fortunes in the season. Both sides had horribly lost their plots in the season at the half way stage in the league games.

They found some serious form as the business end of the season approached and now, they find themselves back in the race for the playoffs. One thing is for sure, only one side among the two will prevail in the race after the match 53 of the IPL 2018. The Rajasthan Royals have the home advantage in their favor. Having said that, it is worth noting that RCB prefer their chances in away fixtures.

In the match, the hosts will be under the pump for sure. They have lost two of their key overseas players in Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. Buttler, in particular, will be heavily missed as he has been the key to their resurgence in the competition. Amidst this backdrop, it becomes very important for the hosts put their best foot forward to compete against the in-form rejuvenated RCB side.

Here is the Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI for the match:

Openers (Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi)

The opening pair is set to be changed for the Rajasthan Royals in the match. With Jos Buttler not in the lineup, it will be a big task for them to get their act going in the same way. Rahul Tripathi had shown signs of great form in the powerplay as an opener in the previous game and hence, is likely to retain his role.

Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane is likely to be back as the opener in the lineup. Rahane has had success as an opener in the season. It will be really surprising if the team ropes in D Arcy Short as the opener again in the season after his horror run in the tournament.

Middle-Order (Sanju Samson, Heinrich Klaasen, Prashant Chopra)

Young Sanju Samson suddenly finds himself as the senior member in the RR middle order. Samson had a terrific start to the season but lost his form as the tournament progressed. In the last couple of games, he has shown good form yet again and his side will be hoping for a big show from him.

South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen is pretty much in line to be back in the playing eleven. Klaasen would be a like for like replacement for the Rajasthan Royals in place of Jos Buttler. He is a handy keeper who can hit the long ball well if needed.

Prashant Chopra has played a match in the season but had largely failed to impress. He will get his second opportunity in the all important virtual knockout. He needs to up his game and prove that he is capable of rubbing shoulders with the big boys.

All-rounders (K Gowtham, Stuart Binny)

K Gowtham had a terrible outing in Kolkata in the previous game. However, when seen on a larger scale, he has been one of the biggest positives for the Royals in the season. Gowtham has bowled exceedingly well in the powerplays and has scalped wickets as well. He has been monstrous with the bat too.

Stuart Binny is a veteran of the game now. Binny has largely been underused in the season. He has not been tested with the ball. With the bat, he has managed to get starts everytime he has come at the crease. He would hope to score big in the final league game of the season.

Spinners (Ish Sodhi)

The New Zealand leggie, Ish Sodhi, has been a very good addition to the Rajasthan Royals roster this season. Sodhi has bowled very well and has managed to be the wicket taking option. Not only has he taken crucial wickets, he has also kept a good control on the run flow.

Fast bowlers (Jaydev Unadkat, Jofra Archer, Ben Laughlin)

In the pace bowling department, Jaydev Unadkat has been the spearhead for the Royals on paper. He, however, had failed to live up his tag and reputation in the matches this season. Despite this, he is likely to be retained for the game and he would hope to come up with a good show for his side.

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer has been a serious pick in the tournament. Every time he has been introduced in to the bowling attack, he has created opportunities for his team. Archer will play a big role in containing the batting heavy Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Australian pacer Ben Laughlin is in line to make a comeback to the side. With RCB being a batting heavy side, the Royals would want to beef up their bowling department. Laughlin, who has previously played in the season, will be a good addition to the playing eleven.

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