With IPL 2018 auction to be coming in a week’s time, the fans and followers are eagerly waiting to know the combinations of their favorite teams. Earlier this month, during the IPL retention event, Rajasthan Royals (RR) had opted to retain just one player: Steve Smith and now they can use a maximum of 3 right to match cards in the upcoming auctions.

The team that will form a squad right from scratch in true regards will be the Royals. They have retained Steven Smith, who is a proven match winner in any format, playing for any side in the world.

Also read: Rajasthan's home venue still undecided

Their options for the usage of RTM cards are Ajinkya Rahane, Ankit Sharma, Rajat Bhatia, James Faulkner and Dhawal Kulkarni, and perhaps the only player that has any chance of being retained is Ajinkya Rahane.

Though Rahane has been going through a lean phase in international cricket, his numbers in IPL are pretty impressive, and he provides solidity at the top of the order, which is vital in T20 cricket. James Faulkner has an outside chance of being retained, but his drop in form in the last year or so might go against him.

Rajasthan Royals have always believed in grooming young cricketers rather than buying well-established ones, so you might see a lot of surprises coming from the Royals camp.

Prediction for the RTM cards – Ajinkya Rahane

Now, here is the probable list of the players who could fit in as per RR’s requirement to buy for in the auction of IPL 2018.

Mitchell Starc

Starc was part of the RCB franchise since 2014 but played only two tournaments for them. In 2014, he took 14 at 28.71 apiece, with an economy of 7.49, and in 2015 he claimed 20 wickets at 14.55 apiece with an economy of 6.76. RR have always struggled to get their bowling combinations right. Starc could be the answer to that problem.

Shubhman Gill

Not many have heard this cricketer’s name but he is currently becoming a big one, especially in Punjab. Shubman Gill is currently the deputy skipper of India U-19 in the ongoing U19 World Cup. He is known for his attacking brand of cricket and even opened the innings against Zimbabwe in the world Cup. RR should not shy of bringing this talented teenager to their family.

Ben Stokes

Stokes needs no introduction. He went for the record money last year auctions and was pretty decent with his performances. Rest assured he is a proven match winner and any team would love to have him in their pool of players.

Also read: Smith looking forward to be with RR team

Kane Williamson

Williamson is a sight to watch across all formats as a batsman. At Sunrisers Hyderabad, he never got the chance to play as much as other players. However, he is a great batsman and a great captaincy material as well. RR can go after him as a strong middle-order batsman.