IPL 2019 – Match 40: Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals – RR Predicted Playing XI

The return of Steve Smith as the leader of the group helped the Rajasthan Royals (RR) revive their fortunes. They defeated the three-time champions Mumbai Indians in the last match and will look to get a few more wins under their belt. However, the problems for the Rajasthan Royals are yet to begin.

Steve Smith will be leaving India at the start of May. There is a lot of ambiguity about Jos Buttler’s return to India which seems unlikely at the moment. Amidst so much uncertainty, they will be up against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in their next encounter. The Capitals have also been playing some seamless cricket and it should be a great contest to watch. On that note, here is what could be their predicted eleven.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Rajasthan Royals (RR):

Openers (Sanju Samson (wk), Ajinkya Rahane)

Sanju Samson will continue to open the batting in this game as well in the absence of Jos Buttler. With the field up in the powerplay, he can be lethal. However, his temperament has been his biggest nemesis over the years. For all the talent that he possesses, if he can not pick his shots well, there is no point about it. Sanju should look to make maximum use of his potential and play a long inning.

Ajinkya Rahane is a team man. Despite being sacked as the skipper in the last game, he remained positive and was ready to help Steve Smith in whatever capacity possible. However, with the bat, he isn’t in the best of forms. RR has got two options, either to continue with him as the opener or bring Rahul Tripathi in. At this point in time, they might look to provide him with one more opportunity.

Middle Order (Steve Smith, Liam Livingstone)

Oh boy, didn’t Steve Smith respond well after taking over the captaincy? He led his team from the front and shouldered all the responsibility. The former Australian skipper ensured that he stayed in the middle right till the end and ensured that he took his team over the line with an unbeaten 59 from 48 balls. Smith should look to dominate in whatever remaining games he plays this season.

RR has provided Ashton Turner with two opportunities thus far. However, he has bagged golden ducks in both the games. Thus, in his place, Lima Livingstone could be roped in. The English cricketer is an exciting prospect in T20 cricket and can hit the ball a long way. If needed, he can be used to bowl one or two overs as well.

All Rounders (Riyan Parag, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny)

At just 17 years of age, Riyan Parag played one of the best knocks for someone of his age group. He seems to be an amazing talent and RR should invest in him. Parag showed a lot of maturity in the last match and can be useful with the ball as well. However, he needs to tighten his lengths slightly and restrict the run flow.

This season has been a massive disappointment for Ben Stokes. The English all-rounder is extremely low on confidence and nothing seems to be going right for him. This could be his last game this season and will want to end on a high. Stuart Binny can be the x-factor for RR this season. He is faring really well with the ball and fulfils the role of a finisher in this team.

Bowlers (Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni)

Jofra Archer is the best bowler in the RR line-up. He can look to hurry the young DC batsmen and subject them to some pressure. The rest of the bowling line-up will also be the same. Shreyas Gopal has been the biggest positive for RR this season. He’s impressed last year as well but has never been as consistent. If he can trouble the opposition or control the run flow, that will put the opposition under a lot of pressure.

Jaydev Unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni will be the other pacers in the side. Unadkat has been bowling well but has been very unlucky. Catches have been dropped off his bowling and nothing seems to be going his way. Kulkarni also is doing well with the ball. But these two will have to bowl tight and not leak too many runs.

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