IPL 2020: Match 12, RR vs KKR– RR Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have started their campaign on the perfect note in this season. Even without the services of Ben Stokes, the team scored more than 200 runs in both of their first two games. They played both the games at Sharjah and Sanju Samson and captain Steve Smith were the protagonist of their batting unit. Samson has won two consecutive Man of the Mach awards and would like to maintain the same form in KKR vs RR encounter.

However, the spotlight in the upcoming game will be on Jos Buttler and Rahul Tewatia, but for different reasons. Buttler missed the first game but walked into the side for the second one with a huge reputation. Though he disappointed in the massive chase, he is expected to come up with heroic performances in the upcoming games.

Tewatia won the team a thrilling game against KXIP with 7 sixes in his last ten balls after being quiet for the first 19 balls. Every RR fan must watch out if the Haryana lad can repeat his performance or he was a one-match wonder.

Here is the probable XI for Rajasthan Royals for Match 12, KKR vs RR:-

Openers ( Steve Smith (C) and Jos Buttler (WK))

Jos Buttler is the most vital cog for RR’s batting. Though the batting unit is in the exceptional form, if the Englishman can play a fiery knock like the ones he is known for, RR would be all set to post/chase a huge total again. Steve Smith has taken the responsibility to hit some big shots while opening the batting but as Rajasthan will be playing their next game in Dubai, which is comparatively larger in size, the RR skipper might play the role of an anchor this time.

Middle Order (Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, Riyan Parag)

Sanju Samson, the man in the form will be looking to capitalise on the purple patch he is going through at the moment. He has a major role in RR’s setup as he can hit big sixes along with his ability to play long innings. Robin Uthappa, one of the most experienced members of this young side would be looking to change his fortunes in the next fixture. He has been in quite a dismal form in the first two games but as he has moved down from an opener’s role, this season is expected to be a lot challenging for the veteran cricketer.

Riyan Parag, the teenage sensation is also not looking in good touch. He has a sound technique to tackle any world-class bowler. But while batting lower down the order he is expected to hit some big shots from the first ball which has not been the case with him. With the presence of Uthappa and Parag, the middle order of Rajasthan is the weakest link of their batting order.

Allrounders (Rahul Tewatia and Tom Curran)

Rahul Tewatia’s knock against KXIP will be known as one of the most fascinating innings of IPL history. He has shown that he has the ability to hit the ball quite a long way and his extremely useful leg-spin can also be used by their skipper to the good effect. Tom Curran has shown a lot of promise with the ball and has been a reliable bowler at the death overs for captain Smith. However, he will be expected to perform better with the bat in order to give more confidence to the top order batsmen.

Bowlers (Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Ankit Rajpoot and Jaydev Unadkat)

Jofra Archer, the star fast bowler will be expected to bowl with same intensity and effectiveness at the death. He is the centrepiece of their bowling unit and his performance in the death overs is extremely important for RR’s success. Shreyas Gopal hasn’t impressed in this season as much as he did in the last one. These are still early days into the tournament and the young spinner would be raring to pick some important wickets in the upcoming game. KKR vs RR is expected to be run-fest again and the bowler’s role will be quite important.

Ankit Rajpoot was drafted into the eleven in the last game and turned out to be the most economical bowler for them. Jaydev Unadkat, the experienced campaigner would be expected to bowl better than he has till now and Rajasthan would finally like to restrict their opposition for a total below 200.