Sanju Samson To Demote Riyan Parag? RR Probably XI vs GT

RR have won their last two matches. [Source: @RoyalsFansArmy/X]

Indian Premier League 2025 has been a mixed bag of a season for Rajasthan Royals thus far. Having won and lost a couple of matches each, they would want to win their third match in a row to be in the first half of the points table.

In such a situation, the last thing which they want is to face Gujarat Titans. For Indian Premier League teams which have played more than five matches against each other, Titans’ win/loss ratio of 5 against Royals is the second-best.

Having won just once out of six occasions against GT, RR will have to put their best foot forward at the Narendra Modi Stadium (three wins and a loss since IPL 2022). To put their best foot forward, an ideal Playing XI will be imperative. If truth be told, they are unlikely to make major changes especially after winning two matches in a row.

Nitish Rana At Number 3?

Captain Sanju Samson and opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal pick themselves automatically for the opening role. In the top-order, Rajasthan’s major conundrum lies at No. 3.

Been confused between vice-captain Riyan Parag and batter Nitish Rana till now, it was surprising to see the former getting prioritized in the last match against Punjab Kings despite how well the latter had batted against Chennai Super Kings.

[T20 stats at Number 3]

While Parag’s sample size at No. 3 is too small to form an opinion, his 1,798 runs at No. 4 have come at an average and strike rate of 46.10 and 151.60 respectively across 51 innings. If truth be told, Parag and Rana’s batting positions are less about how well they’ve performed individually but more about how they can benefit the team as a pair.

With Parag and Dhruv Jurel at No. 4 and 5 respectively, Shimron Hetmyer and Wanindu Hasaranga will grab the remaining two middle-order spots. Unlike their previous outing, Jurel is highly likely of batting above Hetmyer at No. 5.

Tushar Deshpande To Return?

Assuming he recovers from a niggle, RR pacer Tushar Deshpande is almost certain of reclaiming the spot of the third pacer behind Jofra Archer and Sandeep Sharma.

With Maheesh Theekshana another sure-starter, Samson’s choice for the Impact Player will be crucial. Depending on the situation, it could be one out of Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh or Akash Madhwal.

RR's Probable XI vs GT

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande

Impact Players: Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Madhwal

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