Rajasthan Royals: Playing XI Prediction for IPL 2018
What's the story
Rajasthan Royals find themselves in a tricky situation especially after Steve Smith's ban in IPL 2018.
The management have selected Ajinkya Rahane as the new captain and he has plenty of work up his sleeves.
Heinrich Klaasen has come in place of Smith as Royals start their campaign against top dogs Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Here we analyze the probable starting XI for Rajasthan Royals.
Strong look
Rahane, Samson to set the stage alive?
Ajinkya Rahane's form in the IPL over the last six seasons has been top notch and he is their mainstay batsman.
Rahane will be looking to anchor the innings and play long like the way he has done in the past.
He will have the young Sanju Samson with him.
The player is known for his attacking instincts and a wide array of shots.
Strikeforce
Stokes, Klaasen in that heavy middle-order list
Heinrich Klaasen is likely to be drafted in straight and could come at the number 3 position.
Klaasen had an amazing series against India in T20Is, and his adaptability on slower wickets will be key.
Rahul Tripathi of RPS fame could come after Klaasen. He gave a positive account of himself last season.
Million-dollar man Ben Stokes presents a strong case at number 5.
The star
Buttler promises finishing heroics
Jos Buttler could come in at vital number 6 position to get more freedom.
A natural striker of the ball and an able finisher, the wicket-keeper batsman adds vitality to the batting.
26-year-old all-rounder Ankit Sharma of RPS fame can be drafted in number 7. His needs to stand tall.
Another all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham's role would be crucial.
The spinner can score value runs.
Plenty of buzz
Unadkat, Archer add finishing touches
Jofra Archer is a well known Aussie player, who is slowly rising to be a star.
He has plenty of experience playing in a host of T20 leagues.
Archer can contribute by scoring runs as well and that means RR bat deep.
IPL 11's costliest bowler Jaydev Unadkat will look to be the force in getting wickets.
Veteran pacer Dhawal Kulkarni completes the line-up.