IPL 2020: Match 37, CSK vs RR – RR Predicted Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals (RR) are struggling to find their form with six losses in nine games in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The matches are not going their way and they are stuck in the team combination fiasco.

In the next match, they will be facing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Abu Dhabi, and the clash is extremely important considering their position in the points table. To earn two important points, RR would want to finally settle down their opening combination.

They have tried five opening combinations in nine games and still, they haven’t found the perfect one. Their bowling has also underperformed and Steve Smith would want a better effort from his bowlers.

Here is the predicted XI of Rajasthan Royals for Match 37, CSK vs RR:
Openers (Ben Stokes and Robin Uthappa)

RR have made surprising calls throughout the tournament and their opening conundrum is yet to end. Robin Uthappa did a fabulous job at the top in the last game and he should continue the opening duties.

England’s Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes are in contention for partnering him and the latter might continue to provide a left-right combination at the top. Stokes has mostly failed though at the top of the order.

Middle Order (Steve Smith (C), Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler (WK) and Riyan Parag)

Steve Smith played a stunning knock against RCB and his fifty should have given much-needed confidence to RR. They would also want Jos Buttler to take more responsibility like the previous season and score match-winning knocks for the Royals.

These two players are the most important pillars of Rajasthan’s batting and the management would be hoping for them to finally perform consistently. Sanju Samson has been in dismal form since the two cracking knocks in the first two games at Sharjah.

As the likes of Manan Vohra and Yashasvi Jaiswal are waiting in the wings, this is an important clash for Samson. Riyan Parag has played only one valuable innings in the tournament so far and the team would want the youngster to showcase his talent in crucial situations.

All-rounders (Rahul Tewatia and Jofra Archer)

Rahul Tewatia has been a star for RR in all the departments. He is enjoying the role of a finisher and his leg-spin has been more than effective for them. Jofra Archer, on the other hand, has been their most reliable bowler and his rapid pace has impressed everyone in the cricket fraternity.

Apart from his bowling, he can use the long handle quite well. However, RR would want their top order to finally perform so that their lower order doesn’t come into the picture.

Bowlers (Shreyas Gopal, Kartik Tyagi, and Varun Aaron)

Shreyas Gopal and Kartik Tyagi have been quite effective for RR with the ball. Gopal is their lead spinner and Tyagi’s pace and bounce have been impressive. The only possible change RR might make is replacing Jaydev Unadkat with Varun Aaron.

In the last game, it was Unadkat’s over only when RCB scored 25 runs and sealed the game for themselves. Varun Aaron is a fiery pacer and with international experience under his belt, he can be an interesting option.