IPL 2019 – Match 43: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals – RR Predicted Playing XI

Losing the game against the Delhi Capitals must have been a real heartbreak for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). They did almost everything right in the game. But a terrific knock from Rishabh Pant saw Ajinkya Rahane’s ton go in vain. With just four games left, RR has got no other option but give themselves a chance by winning them all.

However, with some of the players leaving soon, that seems improbable. Thus, the team should not look to take any additional burden and try to win games. They should look to give it their best shot and leave the rest to their fortunes. The Royals’ side looks well balanced. It is important for the bowlers to step up and deliver.

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

Openers (Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson (wk))

All the hard work that Ajinkya Rahane put in the last game went in vain. Despite his best efforts, RR failed to win the match. However, on a personal note, it’d have been a highly satisfying knock for the 30-year-old. He hardly tried anything fancy and played glorious shots all around the ground. He remained unbeaten on 105 from 63 balls and will take a lot of confidence from this knock.

Sanju Samson was unfortunate to have gotten out for a duck in the last game without even facing a delivery. The Kerala cricketer is in good form. However, he needs to work on his temperament and look to play better knocks. The right-hander has got all the shots in his book.

Middle Order (Steve Smith (c), Ashton Turner)

Steve Smith is also in good form. He might play just three games more and will be looking forward to making the maximum impact before he leaves for the World Cup preparations. The former Australian skipper is one of the biggest strengths of the side and will be eyeing a big score this time around instead of the 50s or the 60s.

No one in the world would want to be Ashton Turner at the moment. He has bagged five ducks in his last five T20 games and started off the IPL with a hat-trick of golden ducks. But, RR should look to give him more games and help him gain his confidence back. He will be one of the few overseas players who will be available for the entire tournament and will be crucial in the last stages.

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

Ben Stokes will be playing his last game this season against the Knight Riders. He has got dreadful memories of playing at the Eden Gardens. Furthermore, his form this season hasn’t been encouraging either. Thus, he would like to end the season on a high by playing a good knock at the iconic venue.

Riyan Parag and Stuart Binny will be the other two all-rounders in this set-up. Riyan has shown a lot of promise and must bat at number four. He has got the capability of hitting the long ball. If he sets the base, the other players like Ashton Turner and Stuart Binny can finish the innings off on a high.

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

Both Shreyas Gopal and Jofra Archer had a rare off day against the Capitals. Thus, RR failed to defend even the massive total that they had on the board. The duo should forget what has happened and focus on the upcoming game. This will be the last game for Archer as well in this season.

The Royals don’t have many options in their pace department. Jaydev Unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni are their best available options in the lineup. Thus, they have gotten no alternative but to persist with these two speedsters. Jaydev has been trying extremely hard but has had very little luck this season.

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