Rajasthan Royals (RR) is one of the two teams alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who are yet to win a game in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). It will be an epic clash when both the bottom-placed teams clash off against each other at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on April 2 (Tuesday).
It will be a do-or-die kind of situation for the Rajasthan Royals if they want to progress further in the tournament. The batting has done more or less well; however, it is their bowling that has hurt them the most. The two Indian pacers in Jaydev Unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni has looked completely out of form. The spinners have also struggled to pick wickets which have kept them away from winning.
Ajinkya Rahane & Co need to sort all these issues before they face Bangalore at their home turf.
Date and Venue: April 2 (Tuesday) at 8:00 PM IST, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Here is the predicted playing XI of the Rajasthan Royals for match 14 of the ongoing IPL against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium:
AJINKYA RAHANE
The skipper will have to lead from the front and be consistent with the bat. Besides, Ajinkya Rahane has also looked completely out of place with his bowling changes and need to figure out things soon if they want to go further in the tournament.
JOS BUTTLER
Jos Buttler has had an average IPL so far. He will be keen to put some quick runs on the scoreboard early on and set the tone for the batters to follow. The English cricketer can demolish any bowling attack, and Rajasthan Royals will want him in the form.
SANJU SAMSON
Sanju Samson has been in excellent touch and scored a fine century. The young Kerala batsman needs to hold his composure and consistently perform for his side to make a strong case for himself for the national selection.
STEVEN SMITH
The last one year is likely to have affected Steven Smith as the former Aussie skipper is yet to find his form back. Although he scored 28 runs in the last game but looked completely out of socks. With the World Cup, Smith will aim to use this platform to prepare for the World Cup.
BEN STOKES
Ben Stokes connected the ball well but failed to take his side all the way against Chennai Super Kings. However, this innings will give the English all-rounder a lot of confidence going deep into the tournament. Stokes has also done a good job with the ball, and his main aim will be to help Rajasthan Royals return to winning ways.
MANAN VOHRA
Manan Vohra has been a crucial component in the Kings XI Punjab. He will look to make a similar kind of impact when he debuts for Rajasthan Royals. Vohra can play shots in the lower-order and will be a good addition to the team.
KRISHNAPPA GOWTHAM
Krishnappa Gowtham is just a shadow of what he has been in the last season. The all-rounder will have to return to form quickly to retain his place in the playing XI. The franchise will also want Gowtham to return to form and help his time’s success.
JOFRA ARCHER
Despite his side, Rajasthan Royals struggling to find grip in the tournament, Jofra Archer has improved with all-round qualities. He has come to the rescue whenever the team were in trouble. The English all-rounder will want to play a more significant role and help his team return to winning ways.
SHREYAS GOPAL
The leg-spinners have had reasonable success in the tournament so far but Shreyas Gopal is yet to find his feet. With the bowlers leaking runs easily, Gopal needs to repay the trust shown by the franchise. His job will be to contain runs in the middle overs and keep the opponent scoreboard in check.
DHAWAL KULKARNI
Dhawal Kulkarni has played most of his cricket for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL. The experienced cricketer needs to understand the importance of the situation and rise up to the team’s cause.
VARUN AARON
Varun Aaron will have to use this opportunity to cement his place in the playing XI. He has been in good form of late in the domestic season and will hope to make a mark with his extra pace and bounce.