(Cricket news) Rajasthan Royals fell short in last season’s final. This year they have almost the same squad with just minor changes. They also don’t have any players who are coming in late or are unavailable during the tournament. 

Openers: Jos Buttler & Yashasvi Jaiswal

Last season’s orange cap winner Jos Buttler will be looking to replicate the same form this season. Yashasvi Jaiswal is coming into the tournament after a really successful domestic season. He will be keen to do well for the Rajasthan Royals. Devdutt Padikkal is also a candidate to open but he is likely to bat one down.

Middle order: Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson & Shimron Hetmyer

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson hasn’t got enough opportunities for India and this is his chance to show everyone what he is capable of. Devdutt Padikkal is better opening the batting but he can do a job in the middle order as well. Shimron Hetmyer had a decent outing last season and same will be expected from him. There is an option of Joe Root but he is unlikely to get a game.

All-rounders: Riyan Parag & Jason Holder 

Riyan Parag had a decent performance for Assam in the domestic season. Rajasthan Royals have backed him a lot and now it is time for him to deliver. Jason Holder will be key with bith bat and bowl as his style suits the conditions at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Spinners: Ravichandran Ashwin & Yuzvendra Chahal

The spin duo of Rajasthan Royals is their biggest asset. Chahal and Ashwin bowling in tandem makes things very difficult for the opposition. Last season Ashwin’s batting was a revelation as he was used as a floater so the same could happen again. 

Seamers: Trent Boult & Kuldeep Sen

Trent Boult with the new ball and at the death was incredible last season. Rajasthan Royals are very dependent on him because he is someone who makes things happen. Kuldeep Sen has played for India after he burst onto the scene last year. He will be hoping for an improved performance this time around. Leaving out Navdeep Saini will be a difficult call but Kuldeep should get the edge.

Bench: Dhruv Jurel, KC Cariappa, Kuldip Yadav, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Obed McCoy, Adam Zampa, Donovan Ferreira, K.M. Asif, Murugan Ashwin, Akash Vashisht, Abdul P A, Kunal Rathore, Joe Root

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