IPL 2018: 40th Match: RR vs KXIP - Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

The Rajasthan Royals will host the in-form Kings XI Punjab in the 40th match of the IPL 2018. Ajinkya Rahane led team is standing at the exit door of the tournament after their dismal performance.

The inaugural champions have won only three matches out of the nine they have played to find themselves at the bottom of the points table. Consequently, Rahane’s team will like to be at the top of their toes.

On the other hand, they are going to be up against an in-form team like Kings XI Punjab against which they lost their last match. Ravichandran Ashwin led team has won six matches out of the nine to secure the third place in the points table. Thus, the Punjab franchise will aim to keep their good show going.

Here is a look at the Predicted Playing XI of the Rajasthan Royals:

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler has regained his lost touch in the last two matches. The Rajasthan Royals gloveman has scored two fifties in the last two games. Moreover, it is a good move by Royals to send Buttler up the order.

Also Read: IPL 2018: The Climate of Cricket Has Changed a Lot With the IPL, Says Jos Buttler

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi has failed to carry his previous season form. However, as D’arcy Short is not able to provide a good start at the top of the order, Tripathi should be given another chance at the opening place.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has had a see-saw season with the bat. The Royals captain needs to take more responsibility as a batter in the team.

Sanju Samson

Sanju Samson has also lost his touch in the last few games. Royals will hope that the stylish right-hander regains his form in the upcoming matches.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes hasn’t looked at his usual best in the tournament. However, England all-rounder delivered a good bowling performance in the last match. Stokes scalped one wicket and conceded 22 runs in the previous game.

Also read: IPL 2018: Its Time for Ben Stokes, Jaydev Unadkat to Prove their Worth Sanju Samson

Heinrich Klaasen

Heinrich Klaasen has received limited opportunities in his maiden stint in IPL. But as D’Arcy Short isn’t able to deliver the goods, it would make sense to give one more chance to the Proteas batsman.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer didn’t have the best of the last match. The Jamaican fast bowler has impressed with his brisk pace. Archer will like to come back stronger.

K Gowtham

K Gowtham is doing a fine job with both bat and ball. The all-rounder is slowly but surely growing in confidence.

Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal was able to take Royals to 152 with the help of 26 runs knock in the last match. However, the leg-spinner went wicketless in his spell.

Jaydev Unadkat 

Jaydev Unadkat wasn’t able to take any wicket in the last match against KXIP. However, Unadkat was economical in his spell as he conceded only 26 runs.

Anureet Singh

Anureet Singh received his maiden chance of the season in the last match. The medium pacer should get one opportunity.

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