IPL 2020: Match 33, RR vs RCB – RR Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have finally found the right balance with Ben Stokes returning to the squad for the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). Though the English all-rounder hasn’t performed as per expectations, his comeback provides options for bowling as well as batting.

Apart from Robin Uthappa, all their batsmen have played at least one decent inning but the team would be hoping for a collective effort. RR will lock horns against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Dubai and as the pitch is expected to slow down. The spinners are also expected to play an important role.

Also, they might look to juggle their batting order because their middle-order hasn’t been reliable. This game has a great significance for RR as with three wins in eight games, RR would need to earn two important points here.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Rajasthan Royals for RR vs DC game: 

Openers (Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler (wk))

Ben Stokes didn’t start well against David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Dubai. But at the same venue in his second excursion against Shreyas Iyer’s Delhi Capitals (DC), he looked quite settled in his new role.

He would be expected to play a long innings with Buttler playing the role of an accelerator. Buttler hasn’t played a match-winning knock this season but he has got some good starts and he would be eyeing to finally score a big one in the upcoming encounter

Middle-order (Steve Smith (C), Sanju Samson, Robin Uthappa, and Riyan Parag)

RR have lengthened their batting order since the arrival of Stokes at the top. However, their middle-order still lacks confidence. Steve Smith and Sanju Samson are not looking in good touch and without them, Rajasthan’s batting order is lacking an anchor who can construct the innings and guide them.

If RR decide to bench Robin Uthappa, Manan Vohra might come in. Uthappa is not looking in his prime touch and Vohra has been quite effective in Indian domestic cricket. Riyan Parag has done enough to secure his place but RR would want the youngster to take more responsibility in upcoming games.

All-rounders (Rahul Tewatia and Jofra Archer)

Rahul Tewatia has been the protagonist with the bat in two of the three games that RR have won. As RCB’s batsmen struggle against leg-spin, Tewatia can play a very important role against them.

Jofra Archer has been their most dangerous bowler and if he can pick up wickets at the top, RR can find themselves in a perfect position. Also, he has used the long handle quite well in the death overs.

Bowlers (Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, and Kartik Tyagi)

Shreyas Gopal has an outstanding record against Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. If the wrist-spinner can work his magic again on the Dubai pitch, he can be a match-winner for the Royals.

Kartik Tyagi and Jaydev Unadkat will provide a supporting role to Jofra Archer. Dubai’s slow pitch should suit Unadkat’s cutters and he would be hoping to pull off a decent spell in the match.