Rajasthan Royals (RR) who are currently at the bottom of the points table will look to return to winning ways when they face Kolkata Knight Riders coming from five straight defeats on April 25 (Thursday) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Rajasthan went down against Delhi Capitals on Monday despite putting 191 runs on the board after a brilliant hundred from Ajinkya Rahane. The batting unit will look to draw confidence from that and deliver once again against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
But the bowling unit needs to come out stronger against the Kolkata line-up which boast Andre Russell. The likes of Jofra Archer and Jaydev Unadkat needs to back each other and contain a star-studded batting order.
Date and Venue : April 25 (Thursday) at 8:00 PM, Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Here is the predicted playing XI of Rajasthan Royals for match 43 of IPL 2019 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata:
AJINKYA RAHANE
Since he has stepped down from captaincy, Ajinkya Rahane has batted freely and has looked a complete different player. Rahane who is coming from the back of a century will look to play another swashbuckling knock for the Rajasthan Royals.
SANJU SAMSON
Sanju Samson has been a consistent scorer for his side. Technically sound, Sanju will look to combine well with Rahane and provide his side with a good start against the Kolkata Knight Riders.
STEVEN SMITH
Steven Smith has finally started to get back into the groove which will be a good news for the Rajasthan Royals as well for the Australia Cricket team. Smith will hope to lead the team from the front and score some runs with the bat as well.
BEN STOKES
Ben Stokes has been off-colour throughout the tournament and will look to finish off on a high before leaving to resume his national committment. An all-rounder in its purest form, Stokes can contribute to all the department and his franchise will hope the English all-rounder finish with an outstanding performance.
LIAM LIVINGSTONE
Liam Livingstone has warmed the benches in most part of the tournament and will look to utilise this opportunity to cement his berth. The English cricketer has played only one game and will be keen to showcase his talent against Kolkata Knight Riders.
STUART BINNY
The veteran India all-rounder has impressed in whatever limited opportunities he has got. Binny will look to keep up the good work and contribute with some crucial runs in the lower order.
RIYAN PARAG
The young cricketer has impressed with his batting abilities which has earned him praised from the legends of the game. Riyan Parag will look to grab as much as he can sharing the dressing room with the biggest stars of the game and perform to his best.
SHREYAS GOPAL
Shreyas Gopal has been one of the best spinners in the tournament so far. He has picked up wickets and has been economical which has compelled the Rajasthan Royals management to continue with him in place of Ish Sodhi.
JOFRA ARCHER
Jofra Archer as always has been scintillating with the ball. With so many variations, Archer is one of the best T20 bowlers now. The young fast bowler will look to keep up the good and join the England side with high confidence.
JAYDEV UNADKAT
Jaydev Unadkat has once again failed to live upto the expectations. The left-arm pacer bagged a hefty sum but has failed to rise up to the occasion. The match against Kolkata Knight Riders will be another opportunity for Unadkat to display his skills and repay the trust shown by the Rajasthan Royals franchise.
DHAWAL KULKARNI
Dhawal Kulkarni has been inconsistent with the new ball which has hurt the Rajasthan Royals. He will have to pick wickets with the new ball if Rajasthan wants to contain a heavyweight Kolkata batting.