IPL 2020: Match 26, SRH vs RR – RR Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) struggle is not ending in IPL 2020. They lost their fourth consecutive game of the tournament against DC and now they are at the seventh position on the points table. However, more than the defeats, the manner in which they have lost the matches must be troubling them more. Their bowling has been all over the place and their most important batsmen are struggling to score runs.

As they have already lost four games, any more defeats can cause serious trouble to their playoffs chances. However, good news has finally arrived for RR. One of their most important players, Ben Stokes is expected to make his way into the eleven after completing his mandatory quarantine. SRH vs RR is expected to be an interesting contest as both the teams are highly reliable on their top order.

Here is the predicted XI of RR for match 25, SRH vs RR:-

Openers (Jos Buttler (WK) and Yashasvi Jaiswal)

Jos Buttler hasn’t been in a good form this season. His performance has been average and apart from the stunning knock he played against MI, he is yet to showcase his potential. For RR to score a big total, Buttler’s form is quite important. Yashasvi Jaiswal came into the tournament as one of the most promising youngsters, however, he is yet to prove his worth as he hasn’t looked quite comfortable in the middle. If RR decides to replace him, Manan Vohra can be added to the playing eleven.

Middle Order (Steve Smith (C), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes and Mahipal Lomror)

Steve Smith and Sanju Samson, both scored brilliant match-winning fifties in the first two games, but they haven’t fired since then. They are a vital cog in RR’s setup and their form is quite significant for Rajasthan to get back on the winning track.

Ben Stokes has completed his quarantine and his return is the only good news RR has got in the last few days. The southpaw will provide depth in their batting and his bowling credentials also adds to the balance of the side. Mahipal Lomror will continue to play the role of a floater and he can be an important batsman in the middle order.

All-rounders (Rahul Tewatia and Jofra Archer)

Rahul Tewatia and Jofra Archer provide the firepower to RR’s batting unit. They lengthen the batting order and can play some massive shots if needed. Also, Archer is their most important bowler in the powerplay and at the death, he can pair up with Stokes to bowl disciplined death bowling this time. Tewatia is also a handy bowler and his wrist spin has been quite effective for RR in this season.

Bowlers (Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron and Kartik Tyagi)

Shreyas Gopal’s wrist-spin can play a major role at the turning track of Dubai. Also, as SRH is more dependent on their overseas batsmen, his leg-spin can be used for good effect. Varun Aaron and Kartik Tyagi would focus on bowling fast and hit-the-deck. As Dubai’s pitch doesn’t provide any seam, their short bowling becomes quite substantial.