IPL 2023 | Predicted Playing XI of Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings

image-lgxl3484Rajasthan Royals players celebrate a wicket (IPLT20.COM)

Rajasthan Royals had their three-game winning streak snapped by the Lucknow Super Giants last week. The defeat broke their momentum as they lost their next fixture against the RCB in Bengaluru as well.

Still comfortably placed within the top four of the IPL 2023 points table, Sanju Samson and co. will be seeking a fresh streak as race for the playoffs’ reckoning continues to heat up.

They will now face table-toppers Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a home game on April 27. A win against the MS Dhoni-led will elevate them to the top of the table, considering they currently hold the best NRR among all teams this competition.

Ahead of the much-awaited contest, here at OneCricket we predict Rajasthan Royals strongest starting XI, along with five impact players.

Openers

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler

Yashasvi Jaiswal has minted 227 runs so far this season, with two half-centuries and couple of 40-plus scores to his name. With a season best of 60, the youngster is yet to drop a significant match-turning innings for the Royals this time around.

Meanwhile, last season’s Orange Cap winner Jos Buttler started IPL 2023 with three sparkling half-centuries off his first four innings. However, the Englishman lost his steam as he recently returned with two ducks from his last three outings.

Despite a mixed bag of a season so far, Rajasthan Royals think-tank will likely continue with the duo as their first-choice opening stand, considering their batting exploits together a year ago.

Middle Order

Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder

Rajasthan Royals’ middle-order has found much success, especially in chasing this season. Apart from their two close defeats to LSG and RCB in their recent fixtures, captain Sanju Samson and batting barbarian Shimron Hetmyer have managed to finish off high-octane chases for their side.

Devdutt Padikkal, who started off with lean scores in IPL 2023, has regained form with crucial knocks for the Royals in the middle overs. He even clubbed a 34-ball 52 to stage a rebellious hand in Royals’ daunting pursuit against RCB. Dhruv Jurel listed an unbeaten 34 off just 16 deliveries in the same innings, much identical to his 15-ball 32 against PBKS earlier in the season.

While Jason Holder is yet to be tested with the bat this year, the Royals camp might feel tempted to promote him up the order against CSK bowlers.

Bowlers

Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma and Yuzvendra Chahal

Despite being a specialist spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin provides an extra batting option lower down the order. The Indian veteran has so far collected nine wickets this season, and has unleashed two thunderous match-winning cameos with the bat as well. He, along with Yuzvendra Chahal have led the Royals’ spin attack with much success off late.

Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma will continue to helm their new-ball pace attack, as the two speedsters have snared nine and seven IPL wickets respectively in these past few weeks. They will once again be assisted by Jason Holder, considering the West Indies based all-rounder was utilised for full four-over spells in the last two games by his side.

Predicted Playing XI of Rajasthan Royals:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c), Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Impact Players

Riyan Parag

Adam Zampa

Abdul Basith

KM Asif

Kuldeep Sen