IPL 2019: What should be Rajasthan Royals' ideal playing XI
The inaugural IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, have often been praised as the smartest team in the IPL. This IPL franchise in their formative years depended on the underrated youngsters and raised them into superstars of tomorrow. In 2015, they received a severe blow when the franchise was suspended for two years. The Royals returned in style in the 2018 IPL and finished fourth after the playoffs.
The Jaipur-based franchise used data analytics heavily for the IPL 2019 auction and landed with many new names while maintaining the successful core from 2018. Royals bought back Jaydev Unadkat and signed upcoming stars like Oshane Thomas, Liam Livingstone and Ashton Turner. Steve Smith shall also return to the side with his ban coming to an end.
The Royals already have proven performers in Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson and Ben Stokes in their arsenal. Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler were outstanding performers in their inaugural season of the IPL. Krishnappa Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal proved valuable in short stints. With fresh reinforcements and growing confidence, Rajasthan Royals will be one of the contenders for the title in 2019 IPL.
Following eleven men can realize this dream.
#1. Jos Buttler
The English wicketkeeper-batsman is one of the most explosive batsmen in the cricket world currently. Buttler is the perfect mix of power and innovation. He can smash one ball into the stands and follow it up with a ramp shot over the wicketkeeper’s head for a six. The Royals initially used Buttler in the middle-order but his real worth came into view once he was sent to open the innings.
Buttler smacked five consecutive half-centuries and transformed the fortunes of Rajasthan Royals. He soon had to leave for completing national duty and missed out on playoffs. He will be the greatest asset of Royals.
#2. Rahul Tripathi
The Pune-based opener was a success in the 2017 season for Rising Pune Supergiants. Rajasthan bought him for the IPL 2018 once Pune team was dissolved. The side, however, failed to extract the best from Rahul Tripathi.
In 12 matches, Rahul accounted for only 226 runs at an average of 25. He was utilized in the lower middle order where hardly any time to show his potential. At the opening spot, Tripathi will be best placed to make the best of the powerplay.