Predicted XI of Rajasthan Royals for Match 11 of IPL 2023

image-lg6f2tebRajasthan Royals suffered a five-run loss in their previous outing (Source: iplt20.com)

After winning their season-opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals (RR) met with a narrow five-run defeat in the following encounter as Punjab Kings bested them.

The Royals will try to add to their win tally as they go up against Delhi Capitals (DC) on April 8 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. However, they have a few concerns to address if we talk about their playing XI.

Let us try to predict the XI that can take the field for Rajasthan Royals in their upcoming match.

Openers 

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler/Joe Root

 The opening combo of Buttler and Jaiswal started the tournament on a high, forming an 85-run stand. However, as the Englisman suffered a finger injury while fielding against Punjab, RR opened with Ravichandran Ashwin as Buttler could not bat at the top of the order due to time constraints.

Although there are reports that the England white-ball skipper may miss the Delhi clash, it cannot be confirmed yet. If this turns out to be true, Rajasthan can open with Devdutt Padikkal or Joe Root.

Middle-order batters

Sanju Samson (c/wk), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel/Donovan Ferreira, Jason Holder 

Rajasthan Royals's middle-order will more or less remain the same as their previous game. However, Buttler's unavailability has opened up a spot here as well.

Captain, Samson will continue to bat at number three. Parag's underwhelming performance down the order might tempt the RR team management to send him a bit higher, considering his recent domestic form. Hetmyer might also be promoted.

Now, most likely, if Rajasthan opens with Root, Jurel, who was slotted in as an Impact Player versus the Kings and scored an unbeaten 15-ball 32 will walk in the XI. But Ferreira also can debut in case Padikkal is used as an opener.

Bowlers 

Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, KM Asif, Yuzvendra Chahal 

The bowling line-up of RR looks well-settled. However, Asif conceded 54 runs in his four overs against Punjab. He can be replaced by Navdeep Saini.

Impact Players 

If Buttler is not available for the fixture and Rajasthan does not pick one of Root and Ferreira, they will go with only three overseas players. Therefore, Obed McCoy can be among the Impact Player options, if he is fit.

  • Akash Vasisht 
  • Murugan Ashwin 
  • Kuldip Yadav 
  • Dhruv Jurel/Donovan Ferreira 
  • Obed McCoy