Rajasthan Royals (RR) started their 2019 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign against the Kings XI Punjab. They will look to return to winning ways when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 29 (Friday) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
Meanwhile, during their chase, the Royals lost their last seven wickets within 16 runs. They will look to sort their problems before they take the field for the second game. However, the form of Jos Buttler will keep the Rajasthan Royals in good stead. The side also boasts the likes of Steven Smith and Ben Stokes who will look to make a significant mark in the next game.
On the bowling front, Rajasthan Royals are likely to keep out Jaydev Unadkat from the playing XI. The left-arm pacer has failed to live up to the expectation of the hefty price tag. Instead, Varun Aaron is likely to come to the first XI and will look to cement his place in the side.
Here is the predicted XI of Rajasthan Royals for match 8 of IPL 2019 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium:
AJINKYA RAHANE
Ajinkya Rahane got a good start in Royals opening game of the tournament. However, the skipper needs to take the onus on himself and provide stability in the top-order. Rahane has the ability to score runs at the top, and the franchise will want their skipper to score runs.
JOS BUTTLER
Jos Buttler continued his outstanding form from the last season. He scored a brilliant 69 runs despite ending on a losing side. However, his form will keep the Rajasthan Royals team on a high.
SANJU SAMSON
Sanju Samson has a ton of experience behind his back and started the tournament with a good note. The Kerala cricketer will look to use this platform to be in the reckoning of the national selectors.
STEVEN SMITH
Steven Smith didn’t have a great start to his IPL comeback as he failed to take his team over the rope. However, the former Aussie skipper has scored enough runs for the franchise and will look to hit the strides very quickly.
BEN STOKES
Ben Stokes is an all-rounder in its purest form. The English cricketer can contribute to all the departments, and the franchise will want their star cricketer to be in his top form in the next game.
RAHUL TRIPATHI
Rahul Tripathi failed to get going in the last match. But he is a proper batsman and has all the shots in his books. He will look to use this opportunity and score some runs for his franchise and cement his berth in the playing XI.
KRISHNAPPA GOWTHAM
Krishnappa Gowtham is a key component in this playing XI and is responsible for containing runs in the middle-over with his off-spin. He can also contribute with the bat and is an excellent fielder in the boundary region.
JOFRA ARCHER
Jofra Archer is one of the most talented all-rounders currently. He had a great start to this season of IPL and will look to continue his form going into the World Cup for England Cricket team. Archer can also chip in with the bat and is an able fielder.
SHREYAS GOPAL
With his leg-break in place, Shreyas Gopal is a wicket-taker for the Rajasthan Royals. Ajinkya Rahane will want him to give him wickets whenever he comes to the attack. In the last match, he only bowled a single over and will look to get some more time with the ball.
DHAWAL KULKARNI
Dhawal Kulkarni gave Rajasthan Royals a good start in their first game. Meanwhile, the management will want the experienced Mumbai fast bowler to pick more wickets with the new ball.
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 and will to make a mark with his extra pace and bounce.