This is the possible Playing XI who can play most of the matches for Rajasthan Royals in this edition of Indian Premier League: IPL 2020.
You can read the starting XI for other teams, here in this section.
1. Sanju Samson
The Indian T20 opener has been dragged under the scanner once again. Indeed this Kerala born batsman is in the urge of proving himself to become a permanent Indian opener for T20. An opener must possess a wide range of shots to garner runs after powerplay overs; by containing effortless natural strokes, Sanju Samson ticks the box so easily. Top class wicketkeeper, but he has to field when Jos Buttler is in the playing eleven. Nevertheless, Samson is an exceptional fielder, and he can contribute his side by bringing off stunners near the boundary rope.
2. Jos Buttler
There can’t be a better option when Jos Buttler is available to open for Rajasthan Royals. This is because of the excellent last two seasons of Jos Buttler with the bat. He showcased what he could do to the opponents when he got settled. With his current Test cricket form, there is no doubt that he will be having a clear view of his batting procedures. Speaking of wicket keeping, even though Jos was struggling in the England conditions during the Test series, having the basics right the slower UAE tracks will be an easy task for him to keep.
3. Steve Smith
Steve Smith’s intense passion for batting puts him in the top batsmen’s list in IPL too. Averaging 45.19 of being a No.3 in IPL, the legendary Aussie batsman proved to be irreplaceable in this slot. The skipper takes time to get his flow in a pitch, and fortunately, this slot will suit the business. Once he finds the form in this spot, he can become a significant accumulator of his team runs. Above all, it’s time to enjoy Smith’s captaincy after a long time.
4. Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa has been a game-changer in the IPL so far. He hasn’t got any below-average season except the 2009 edition. And at the same time, he is a great contender under pressure. He is an exponent in showcasing controlled aggression. Match-winner. He has done it again and again for whichever side he plays for. Technically-sounded. And what more do you need from a perfect No.4 in T20?
5. Ben Stokes
The department of batting gets even more violent with the addition of the left-handed Benjamin Andrew Stokes. The fittest all-rounder has made two match-winning knocks for RPSG in 2017. But the next two seasons were below average for his quality. Contrastingly this time, he is a different player who is in terrific form and has pulled off miracles in the past year for his national team. With his bigger stage exposure, this domestic league season will be his experimentation centre. Also, the fourth seamer for his side can bowl at any situation—a perfect team player.
There is a particular situation that puts on a doubt whether Ben Stokes will be playing this season or not? If he fails to make into the game, then it will be David Miller who would replace Stokes. David Miller, with his pure aggressive technique, will be a great replacement in terms of batting. But the bowling department will miss a massive part if Ben Stokes is dropped behind.
6. Riyan Parag
“Riyan Parag, the 18-year-old kid carrying around his teddy bears last season. But when he went out and played, he played with some freedom and won a few games off his own bat at the age of 17. The tricks he’s got, it’s incredibly special.” – said Steve Smith, the skipper of RR.
He is an exceptional middle-order batsman who can also be handy with his leg-breaks.
7. Shreyas Gopal
The leg-spinning all-rounder is the precious wicket maker for the Rajasthan based franchise. He hasn’t created much impact in batting, but he is a game-changer who can restrict runs effectively with his bowling. Bemuses the batsmen with his wrong ones. Possesses the match-winning element and his hat trick in the last season Against RCB is an excellent example.
8. Jofra Archer
Steaming and lethal. Jofra Archer is full of pace. His toe crushers and chin musical bouncers are his dangerous weapons. The death over specialist has got slower deliveries among his tricks that would fetch him wickets. Pinch hitter who can make those quickfire 20 or 30 in the death overs.
9. Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat is a tactical Indian seamer who makes the best out of the minimally swinging white ball. A staunch opposition bowler once he gets on a roll. Brings in a different angle with his left arm release, which makes him useful in tailing into the blockhole.
10. Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi is the whippersnapper of RR in this IPL season. The 19 years old Indian seamer can clock above 140 kmph along with the insane swing he could naturally produce. This fast bowler’s perfect action with the upright seam positioning makes him ready to roar for his big stage cameo.
11. Mayank Markande
Mayank Markande came in the limelight when he picked Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s wicket in his debut match in 2018. From then, he has grabbed attention and followers for his bowling. Mayank Markande, with his loopy deliveries, can create better wicket-taking opportunities. By sporting pink for this edition, he can be independent as he will be the premier leg spinner for Rajasthan.
With four pure batters, one fast-bowling all-rounder, two leg-spinning all-rounders, and four direct bowlers, Rajasthan Royals looks so balanced. So it is all left with the captain, Smithy, who will make further adjustments with the squad when the tournament processes.