IPL 2018: 38th Match, KXIP vs RR - Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI

Rajasthan Royals will travel to Kings XI Punjab den for the 38th match of the IPL 2018. Ajinkya Rahane led team has won three matches out of the eight they have played to find themselves at the bottom of the points table.

The inaugural champions have lacked the knockout punch in most of their matches which has led to their downfall. Foreign players like D’Arcy Short, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes have failed to deliver the goods.

On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab is in good form after winning five matches out of the eight they have played. However, the Punjab franchise has savoured defeats in their last two matches.

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

D’arcy Short

Short has been short on confidence in his maiden season of the IPL. The Australian southpaw batsman hasn’t found his timing thus far in the season.

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane has performed well at the top of the order in some matches. Rahane should try to go all guns blazing as Rajasthan already have their backs against the wall.

Sanju Samson

There is no doubt Sanju Samson has been Rajasthan’s best batsman. However, the flamboyant right-hander has lost his touch in the last couple of matches.

Quick Read: Sanju Samson hasn’t realized his full potential yet feels Dav Whatmore

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi hasn’t able to repeat his previous season heroics in the ongoing season. Tripathi’s position in the batting order is continuously chopped and changed which has unsettled him.

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes has also not lived up to the expectations. England all-rounder had a great previous season but hasn’t able to repeat his performance as he has looked insipid with both bat and ball.

Jos Buttler

Jos Buttler finds himself in the same boat as Ben Stokes. However, Royals wicketkeeper had scored a quickfire 67 off just 26 balls to bounce back in the tournament. Consequently, inaugural champions will hope that Buttler carries on with his form.

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

K Gowtham

K Gowtham has impressed with both bat and ball. The all-rounder has bowled well in the powerplay overs and he has also provided finishing touches to Rajasthan’s innings.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer has shown his worth in the Rajasthan’s bowling. Archer has been accurate like an ‘Archer’ with his line and length. The Jamaican fast bowler has bowled with a brisk pace.

Rajasthan will aim to keep themselves in contention for playoff stages.

Shreyas Gopal

Shreyas Gopal has been expensive in his spells. Rajasthan has missed a good quality Indian spinner in their line-up. Gopal will like to make a strong comeback.

Jaydev Unadkat

Jaydev Unadkat was able to scalp three wickets in the last match against Delhi Daredevils. However, the medium pacer was on the expensive side.

Dhawal Kulkarni

Dhawal Kulkarni had provided an ideal start to Rajasthan Royals in the last match.

However, the Mumbai bowler hasn’t been consistent with his performances.

Also, Read: Royals Skipper Ajinkya Rahane Eyes 2019 World Cup Spot