Jos Buttler has left Rajasthan Royals to join the England camp for the four-match T20I series against Pakistan, which starts on May 22. His departure has created a significant void in Rajasthan Royals’ Playing XI, and Sanju Samson along with the team management must find a capable player to fill Buttler’s substantial shoes. Currently positioned second on the points table, RR aims to end their three-game losing streak as they face Punjab Kings at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Also Read: RR vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction
Predicting Rajasthan Royals’ Playing XI vs Punjab Kings
With Jos Buttler gone, Royals are forced to make changes to their squad. The main concern for RR is to find someone to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Tom Kohler-Cadmore is one of the names doing the rounds, and he might be the answer to RR’s current predicament. However, the 29-year-old has mainly batted in the middle order, and throwing him into opening the innings in the big IPL playoff games might be too big a risk to take. So here’s our take how Rajasthan Royals’ Playing XI vs Punjab Kings might look like-
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson to open the innings for RR
Sanju Samson might be the player replacing Buttler at the top order. The RR captain has played as an opener numerous times in the past, so this role should come naturally to him. Additionally, considering how inconsistent both Buttler and Jaiswal have been this season, Samson is more or less playing as an opener, coming to bat inside the powerplay. Thus, the 29-year-old could promote himself as an opener against Punjab Kings. If he feels at home in this role, RR might go into the playoffs with the combination of Jaiswal-Samson as openers.
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Riyan Parag or Tom Kohler-Cadmore to bat at no-3
Riyan Parag is having the season of his life. While batting at no-4, the 22-year-old has amassed 483 runs in 12 innings. He has been phenomenal and one of the main reasons why RR have been so good during the league stage. Just like Samson, Parag might be promoted to no-3, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore batting at no-4. But it could be the other way around as well. Considering how successful Parag has been at no-4, RR might go with the Englishman at no-3.
Middle-order: Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer
With Parag and Kohler-Cadmore batting at no-3 or no-4, Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer (if fit) are likely to form the crux of RR’s middle-order. In fact, Jurel could even be used as an opener if Samson prefers to bat at no-3. In that case, Parag and Kohler-Cadmore will bat at no-4 and no-5 respectively, with Hetmyer coming in at no-6.
Lower order and bowlers
RR’s lower order and bowling unit should remain unchanged irrespective of what happens at the top-order. All-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin should bat at no-7, while Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma and Yuzvendra Chahal are likely to be the leaders of the bowling pack.
In case, RR bowl in the 2nd innings, Nandre Burger should play as an Impact Player.