Predicted XI of Rajasthan Royals for Match 4 of IPL 2023
RR is set to play their first match of IPL 2023 against SRH (Source: Twitter/@rajasthanroyals)
Rajasthan Royals, a team adorned with a legacy of triumph in the inaugural season forged by the legendary Australian cricketer Shane Warne, have been on a tumultuous journey. Despite their involvement in the spot-fixing scandal that led to their suspension for two years, they have resurrected themselves as a formidable unit that poses a challenge to any opponent.
Over the years, cricketing luminaries like Shane Watson, Rahul Dravid, Steve Smith, and Ajinkya Rahane have tried to emulate Warne's success, but it was Sanju Samson who turned the clock back to the team's glorious 2008 victory last season and guided them to the final where they were beaten by Gujarat Titans.
Although the team failed to advance past the league stage for four consecutive seasons after their triumph, they finally made it to the playoffs in 2013. After reaching the playoffs in 2018, they were knocked out of the league stage from 2019 to 2021.
As the Rajasthan Royals prepare to begin their IPL 2023 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2, they have strengthened their squad with a host of new players acquired at the auction. These include the likes of Jason Holder, Donovan Ferreira, Adam Zampa, KM Asif, Murugan Ashwin, and even Joe Root. However, most of these new acquisitions will likely be warming the bench as the team has retained its core and most of the players who featured regularly in the team last season.
Let’s take a look at Rajasthan Royals’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2023
1. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler, set the stage on fire in the last edition of the tournament, emerging as the most successful batter with a staggering 863 runs in just 17 matches, boasting a scintillating strike rate of 149.05. The right-handed batter also etched his name in the history books by smashing four centuries, matching Virat Kohli's record for the most centuries in a single edition.
Jos Buttler won the Orange Cap last year (IPLT20.com)
The franchise will once again bank on his incredible talent and experience to provide explosive starts in the upcoming season. With his formidable talent and fearless attitude, Buttler will undoubtedly be a vital cog in the Rajasthan Royals' wheel in their quest for glory.
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal will play a crucial role in providing explosive starts for Rajasthan Royals alongside his opening partner, Jos Buttler. In the previous season, Jaiswal featured in 10 games for the franchise, where he amassed 258 runs at a strike rate of 132.98. However, the team management will expect more from him in the upcoming tournament.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will look to carry his domestic form in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
Jaiswal's performance in domestic cricket this year has been outstanding. The dynamic left-hander amassed 266 runs in 10 matches at an excellent strike rate of 141.48 for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he continued his impressive form, hitting 396 runs in just six games at an impressive strike rate of 95.65, emerging as the highest run-scorer for his team in the tournament. With his impressive record, the southpaw will be a key player in the Royals' search for their second IPL title.
3. Sanju Samson (c and wk)
Dynamic skipper Sanju Samson weaved his magic wand for the Rajasthan Royals last season and proved his mettle as a leader par excellence. He led from the front and propelled the team to the final after a long hiatus of 14 years, showcasing his adeptness as a captain.
Sanju Samson led the side with panache last year (IPLT20.com)
As a batsman, the 28-year-old batter was a sheer delight to watch as he amassed a staggering 458 runs in 17 matches, boasting of a fabulous strike rate of 146.79. The franchise would want their skipper to replicate his heroics from last year and go one step further to win the coveted title.
4. Devdutt Padikkal
The Royals believed in Devdutt Padikkal, and splurged a princely sum of INR 7.75 crore to acquire him in the highly anticipated auction of 2022. Despite high hopes, the young prodigy could only muster a paltry 376 runs in 17 matches, with just a solitary half-century to his name. However, the franchise did not give up on the budding talent and retained him for the upcoming season.
Devdutt Padikkal couldn't perform to his potential last year (IPLT20.com)
Previously, Padikkal had set the stage on fire as an opener for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) with some dazzling knocks. However, in Rajasthan, the young gun was tasked with reviving the team's fortunes from the middle-order, a position that he was not accustomed to. Unfortunately, Padikkal couldn't live up to his billing in the new role. Nevertheless, with the IPL 2023 approaching, he will look to come out all guns blazing, with renewed confidence, and deliver the goods for his team.
5. Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer is a renowned name in the T20 arena, known for his power-hitting skills that have won several games for his team. With the IPL being no exception, the Caribbean dynamite has proved his mettle as a game-changer, smashing his way to victory with his batting abilities. At the 2022 mega auction, Rajasthan Royals (RR) placed a massive bet of 8.50 crores on Hetmyer, hoping he would shine as a finisher, a role he was destined to play.
Shimron Hetmyer will once again don the finisher's hat for IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
The swashbuckling batter amassed 314 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 153.92, setting the stage on fire and helping the team in their quest for glory. In the upcoming season, Hetmyer will be expected to reprise his role as a finisher. With the franchise thirsty for a trophy after a long wait of 15 years, the 25-year-old will be keen to showcase his best and help the team reach the pinnacle of success.
6. Jason Holder
Rajasthan Royals acquired the services of the multi-talented Jason Holder at the IPL 2023 mini-auction for a whopping INR 5.75 crore. With Holder's proven track record as an all-rounder for his national side, the Royals will look forward to his contributions with both bat and ball.
Jason Holder played for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022 (IPLT20.com)
Even in the previous edition of the league, the former Windies skipper's thunderous batting propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to victory on multiple occasions. Considering all the factors, the Royals have put faith in the Barbadian cricketer to exhibit his all-round skills and become a valuable asset to the team in the upcoming season.
7. Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag has not lived up to expectations during his four seasons with the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite his lackluster performances, the franchise decided to retain the 21-year-old for the upcoming 2023 edition of the IPL, hoping that he will finally show his true potential. In 47 games, Parag has only managed to score 522 runs, which is not up to par.
Riyan Parag will finally look to justify the franchise's faith in him (IPLT20.com)
In recent domestic tournaments, Parag has been in excellent form with the bat. He was the leading run-scorer for Assam in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2022-23, scoring 253 runs in seven games at an impressive strike rate of 165.35. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he amassed 552 runs in nine matches, at a strike rate of 123.21. The all-rounder would look to carry this form in IPL 2023 and repay the immense faith that the Royals have put him in.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is a seasoned campaigner in the IPL with stints at several franchises. The all-rounder has proven to be a valuable asset to any team he has played for, and Rajasthan Royals managed to secure his services at the IPL 2022 auction for a sum of INR 5 crore.
Ravichandran Ashwin has been a seasoned campaigner in the IPL (IPLT20.com)
With his economical bowling and wicket-taking ability, Ashwin made a significant impact last year, taking 12 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 7.50. The veteran off-spinner’s experience and mastery of variations will make him a potent threat to any opposition
9. Trent Boult
At the 2022 IPL mega auction, Trent Boult's brilliant performances for Mumbai Indians in 2020 and 2021 made him a hot prospect. Rajasthan Royals acquired the Kiwi pacer for a whopping INR 8 crore.
Trent Boult will take the new-ball for Rajasthan Royals (IPLT20.com)
The Kiwi speedster repaid the franchise’s faith by claiming 16 wickets in as many games with an economy rate of 7.93, proving to be an excellent asset for the team. However, for the upcoming season, the franchise will look forward to Boult going beyond his excellent performances and dominating the batters
10. Yuzvendra Chahal
Impressed with his bowling prowess in the previous season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) had acquired Yuzvendra Chahal for a whopping INR 6.50 crore at the 2022 mega auction. He proved to be a sensation in IPL 2022, with a remarkable performance. The leggie grabbed 27 wickets in 17 matches at an impressive economy rate of 7.75, which led him to wining the coveted Purple Cap.
Yuzvendra Chahal was instrumental in Rajasthan's success last year (IPLT20.com)
With his consistent bowling, he has become one of the most reliable players for the franchise. The crafty spinner will look to continue his impressive form in the upcoming edition and help the team clinch the coveted trophy.
11. Sandeep Sharma
Sandeep Sharma, who went unsold at IPL 2023 auction, got a surprise call-up as a replacement for injured Prasidh Krishna. The right-arm seamer has been part of the tournament since the 2013 season, and his performances have often left the cricket fraternity awestruck. He has scalped 114 wickets in 104 IPL games, maintaining an economy of 7.77.
Sandeep Sharma was released by Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2023 auction (IPLT20.com)
The seasoned IPL campaigner is known for his remarkable new ball spells, which have troubled the best of batters. Given the chance to prove himself, the 28-year-old will undoubtedly look to make the most of this opportunity and leave a lasting impact on the field alongside Boult.
 "Jatin")
