IPL 2020: Match 54: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Rajasthan Royals: RR Predicted XI

Rajasthan Royals stitched two back to back victories in IPL 2020 comprehensively to stay in contention for a playoff birth. The experiment of opening the batting with Ben Stokes, which failed initially, paid off hefty returns in the last two games as he got the Royals off to fiery starts. Thus far, Steve Smith’s men have 12 points in the bag.

Their next and last opponents would be Kolkata Knight Riders, whom they will face in Dubai on Sunday. While Kolkata Knight Riders are the ones under pressure, it is worth remembering that Rajasthan not only lost their last clash to Kolkata Knight Riders convincingly and have won only one out of their five matches in Dubai. Hence, the inaugural IPL champions will face a stern test.

We take a look at Rajasthan Royals’ predicted XI ahead of their IPL 2020 game against Kolkata Knight Riders:

Ben Stokes:

Ben Stokes has received the man of the match award in the last two wins that Rajasthan Royals have enjoyed. Ben Stokes clattered a hundred against Mumbai Indians followed by a half-century against Kings XI Punjab, setting the tone for their victory. Against KXIP, Stokes also took a couple of wickets and an outstanding catch to dismiss Mandeep Singh.

Robin Uthappa:

Robin Uthappa has shown glimpses of his best form with the bat; however, he is yet to make a significant score. Robin Uthappa mustered 30 off 23 balls against Kings XI Punjab as he shared a partnership of 51 with Sanju Samson. With another do or die game on the cards and the playoffs approaching, the veteran would want to shine with the bat.

Sanju Samson:

Sanju Samson has returned to form, having played vital roles in the last two victories for the Rajasthan Royals. Samson scored 48 off 25 deliveries against Kings XI Punjab as an unfortunate run-out dented his chances of getting to a fifty. The right-handed batsman’s run-tally has risen to 374 in 12 IPL 2020 games.

Steve Smith (c):

Skipper Steve Smith has not only been a tad inconsistent with the bat but also his captaincy in IPL 2020. Nevertheless, Steve Smith used Ben Stokes wisely in the last game against Kings XI Punjab as his clever variations were significant in restricting them to 185. With the bat, Smith produced a quick-fire 31 to see the Royals over the line.

Jos Buttler:

Despite his batting position being shuffled multiple times in IPL 2020, Jos Buttler has performed admirably well. Jos Buttler batted at number five against Kings XI Punjab and hammered 22 off 11 deliveries as he and Steve Smith were the last men standing to complete a seven-wicket victory.

Riyan Parag:

Riyan Parag did not bat or bowl against Kings XI Punjab or Mumbai Indians either. Riyan Parag missed a catch off Chris Gayle’s bat when on 20, which did not cost Rajasthan Royals at the end. Nevertheless, Parag’s ground fielding on other occasions was excellent.

Rahul Tewatia:

Rahul Tewatia delivered three overs and conceded only 22 runs against the wrath of Kings XI Punjab’s Chris Gayle, bowling well for the most part. Tewatia also took a brilliant catch inches within the boundary to get rid of Nicholas Pooran. The left-handed batsman has not been required to bat in the last two matches.

Jofra Archer:

Jofra Archer was once again the most economical bowler and also the pick of the bowlers. Jofra Archer bounced out Mandeep Singh for a first-ball duck in the opening over of the innings following which he returned to remove Chris Gayle, denying him a hundred. The 25-year old conceded only 26 overs, bowling in a league of his own.

Shreyas Gopal:

Leggie Shreyas Gopal surprisingly delivered only one over against Kings XI Punjab, being the frontline spinner of Rajasthan Royals. In that one over, Gopal gave away ten runs and Smith removed him from the attack, anticipating Chris Gayle’s onslaught against him.

Kartik Tyagi:

Kartik Tyagi largely improved his performance from the one against Mumbai Indians in which he delivered plenty of length deliveries. Kartik Tyagi bowled a lot of yorker-length deliveries as Chris Gayle was unable to frequently put them away. Despite that, the youngster could not get a reward, ending with figures of 4-0-47-0.

Varun Aaron:

Varun Aaron replaced Ankit Rajpoot for the game against Kings XI Punjab; however, could not make much difference to the side. Nevertheless, it is imperative to remember that the speedster could have had a wicket had Riyan Parag not dropped Chris Gayle at 20. He will most likely keep his place.

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