IPL 2020: Match 26: SunRisers Hyderabad Vs Rajasthan Royals: RR Predicted XI

Rajasthan Royals, who are languishing at the seventh position in the points table in IPL 2020, have suffered four losses out of six games so far. This is the point where Rajasthan Royals must consider their job as a do-or-die one to stay in the hunt for a berth in play-offs. After winning their first two games, the inaugural IPL champions have faced a downward spiral.

Rajasthan Royals will face SunRisers Hyderabad in Dubai on Sunday in what would be both sides’ seventh match in IPL 2020. SunRisers Hyderabad have six points in their kitty and are sitting pretty in the third position. SunRisers’ bowling attack is arguably their strongest suit and the Royals’ batting line-up will have to get on top of it to gain the upper hand. It will also be a battle between the only two overseas captains.

We take a look at Rajasthan Royals’ predicted eleven ahead of their IPL 2020 game against SunRisers Hyderabad:

Jos Buttler (wk):

Jos Buttler has not had a desirable run as an opener so far in IPL 2020, having scored only one fifty and going past 20 once. Jos Buttler’s only half-century came against Mumbai Indians when he blasted 70 off 44 deliveries. Buttler looked in good nick against Delhi Capitals too; however, perished for 13 off eight deliveries.

Yashasvi Jaiswal:

Yashasvi Jaiswal faced criticism for his conservative gameplay against Delhi Capitals in Sharjah. After two single-digit scores, Yashasvi Jaiswal passed 30 and departed for 34 off 36 deliveries in pursuit of 185. Nevertheless, in the two-paced wicket of Dubai, Jaiswal’s cautious approach could pay off and likely be retained.

Steve Smith (c):

Steve Smith might consider him unlucky in Sharjah as he muscled his way to 24 with two boundaries and a six. However, Shimron Hetmyer’s catch at deep mid-wicket off Anrich Nortje’s bowling sent him back. However, the skipper played his natural game at number three and must continue to do so for better results.

Sanju Samson:

Perhaps, Sanju Samson has faced the most backlash after his four consecutive single-digit scores after two half-centuries in the first two games. The stage was set in Sharjah for him to come and take the chase deep against Delhi Capitals. However, under pressure, he could not make a good connection and ended up giving a catch while trying to hit the ball for a six.

Ben Stokes:

Steve Smith revealed that Ben Stokes will play the next game against SunRisers Hyderabad having completed his mandatory quarantine period. Ben Stokes is one player, who is more than a valuable addition for the Rajasthan Royals and highly bolster the inexperienced middle-order. The England all-rounder will also chip in with some overs of medium pace and can fly in the field.

Mahipal Lomror:

Since his invaluable knock of 47 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mahipal Lomror has not done anything significant. On the other hand, it would be cruel to blame him since he has found himself under pressure in all the instances in IPL 2020. Having shown immense potential, the southpaw is likely to retain his spot.

Rahul Tewatia:

Rahul Tewatia delivered a tidy spell of bowling against Delhi Capitals, taking a wicket and conceding only 20 runs off four overs. He also scored some 40 odd runs to limit the margin of loss to 46 runs. Hence, Tewatia is more than a precious cricketer for them; however, he is overburdened most of the times.

Jofra Archer:

Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers in Sharjah against Delhi Capitals and bowled in his own league. Archer bowled four overs and took three wickets for only 24 runs that saw three boundaries. He took the wickets of Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, and Harshal Patel, going for only three in the final over. Steve Smith will unleash the 25-year old against David Warner, mainly due to the SunRisers’ captain poor record against him.

Shreyas Gopal:

Shreyas Gopal bowled quite well against Mumbai Indians, picking up two wickets and going for less than 30 in four overs. However, Shreyas Gopal bowled only two against Delhi in Sharjah and conceded 23 runs. He will likely play a significant role against SunRisers Hyderabad in Dubai.

Kartik Tyagi:

Kartik Tyagi has impressed in the two matches so far, having debuted against Mumbai Indians. Against Delhi Capitals in Sharjah, Kartik Tyagi picked up the vital wicket of Shimron Hetmyer by conceding a decent 35 runs in four overs. His short-pitched deliveries are bound to trouble David Warner.

Varun Aaron:

Varun Aaron, who replaced Ankit Rajpoot in the line-up, played his first match of IPL 2020. However, Varun Aaron could bowl only two overs and leaked 25 runs, including three boundaries and a six. However, the speedster is likely to get another game before Rajasthan Royals look at other options.

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