Last year, Rajasthan Royals (RR) made their comeback in the IPL after facing a two-year ban. This year, they will be getting back their veteran cricketer, Steve Smith as in his absence, Ajinkya Rahane led the team in last season and under his captaincy, they reached the playoffs as well. They have a lot of interesting choices to make for their starting XI. 

Full Squad:

The inaugural IPL champion Rajasthan Royals (RR) has fulfilled their squad for the upcoming season after buying six Indians and three overseas players during the IPL 2019 Auction.

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Retained players: Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, Sudhesan Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jofra Archer, and Ish Sodhi

Purchased in IPL 2019 Auction: Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, Oshane Thomas, Shashank Singh, Liam Livingstone, Shubham Ranjane, Manan Vohra, Ashton Turner, Riyan Parag

Indian contingent:

Historically, Rajasthan Royals have always relied heavily on the Indian players since their inception in IPL. Their inaugural win under Shane Warne gave rise to a few future Indian superstars. This year they have youngsters, like, Riyan Parag and Shashank Singh, who impressed everyone in domestic cricket. Jaydev Unadkat who will be wanting to prove his value as he failed drastically last year.

The most difficult responsibility though lies in the hands of K.Gowtham. Rajasthan Royals have only two spinners – K. Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal and they did well as well last year. 

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Ajinkya Rahane, Dhawal Kulkarni and Sanju Samson will be the pillars this year for Royals. Much of their campaign will rely on these stalwarts.

Foreign contingent:

Rajasthan Royals will depend heavily on Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. The Englishmen will have to be at their best if Royals are to harbor any hopes of the trophy. They will be accompanied by Steve Smith. The veteran trio will be the key factor for Rajasthan to succeed.

Jofra Archer bowled excellently in the recent BBL season and there will be a lot of attention towards the young sensation. Oshane Thomas has this chance to showcase his talent to the Indian audience. Rajasthan has Liam Livingstone in the reserve as well, he is an exciting batsman from England.

Probable XI:

1. Jos Buttler $

2. Ajinkya Rahane

3. Aryaman Birla/Steve Smith $

4. Shashank Singh/ Sanju Samson

5. Ashton Turner $

6. Ben Stokes $

7. K. Gowtham

8. Jofra Archer $

9. Shreyas Gopal

10. Jaydev Unadkat

11. Dhawal Kulkarni

$ – Foreign Players

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Variations:

Rajasthan Royal can pick Stuart Binny for seaming tracks and opt for Shreyas Gopal on spinning pitches. They also have a backup opener in Liam Livingston as an optional batsman who can be very explosive at the top.