IPL 2018: Match 53, Rajasthan Royals vs Royals Challengers Bangalore - Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 53rd match of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. Ajinkya Rahane-led team has a slight chance to enter into playoffs from the back door.

Firstly, the inaugural champions should make sure that they win their last league match against RCB.

Secondly, as they have a poor Net Run Rate of -0.403, thus they need to win by a bigger margin. However, if KXIP and Mumbai Indians lose their last league match it would ideal situation for Rajasthan. In that situation, the Net Run-Rate will not come into the picture.

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On the other hand, Royal Challengers are also desperate for a win to keep their playoffs hope alive. However, RCB’s positive Net Run Rate is going to help them if they are able to beat Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, when these two teams had met early in the season, Rajasthan cruised to a 19-runs win.

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

Ajinkya Rahane:

Ajinkya Rahane hasn’t batted at the top his game.

However, in the absence of players like Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes, it would be a perfect opportunity for Rahane to raise his game.

D’Arcy Short:

D’Arcy Short is also ‘short’ on confidence. The Australian southpaw hasn’t felt confident on the Indian pitches. However, Short will like to prove his mettle.

Rahul Tripathi:

Rahul Tripathi had provided a quick start in the previous match against KKR. The right-hander has had a quiet tournament and would like to deliver the goods.

Sanju Samson:

Sanju Samson form has dipped in the last few games. However, the youngster will have to shoulder the onus of the batting department in absence of Jos Buttler. Samson is expected to keep wickets as well.

Heinrich Klaasen:

Heinrich Klaasen has received limited opportunities thus far. However, the Proteas batsman can get his chance in absence of Buttler and Stokes.

Klaasen can also take the wicketkeeping duties.

Stuart Binny:

Stuart Binny has received limited opportunities. However, the all-rounder is not able to stand tall to the challenges and has mostly let his team down.

Must win clash for both these teams.

Krishnappa Gowtham:

Krishnappa Gowtham is the biggest positive in this edition of the IPL.

The Karnataka all-rounder has played crucial cameos for the Royals.

Jofra Archer:

Jofra Archer has impressed with his sharp pace and bounce. The Jamaican fast bowler has bowled his heart out in the testing conditions.

Jaydev Unadkat:

Jaydev Unadkat has disappointed with his dismal performance.

The high-price in the auctions has had its impact on the performance of the medium pacer.

Ish Sodhi

Ish Sodhi is doing a fine job for the Rajasthan Royals. The Kiwi leg-spinner had scalped one wicket in the last match. Moreover, he was economical in his spell.

Anureet Singh:

Anureet Singh hasn’t played many matches for Rajasthan Royals.

However, the Punjab medium pacer should make the cut in the crucial match.