IPL: Predicting RR strongest playing XI

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be eager to win the IPL trophy after a long wait of 17 years. The team first claimed the title in 2008 under Shane Warne's captaincy by defeating the Chennai Super Kings in the final. This season, captain Sanju Samson will aim to repeat the same heroics as Warne.

At the IPL 2025 auction held in Jeddah in November 2024, RR strengthened their squad by adding talented players like Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Tushar Deshpande. The team appointed former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid as the head coach.

With Jos Buttler leaving the team, captain Sanju Samson might open the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal showed great form during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy and will aim to carry that momentum into the IPL. Samson has had great success as an opener for the Indian team and has made three centuries.

Nitish Rana is likely to bat at number three, providing stability to the lineup. Riyan Parag will need to perform well in the middle order. Although Dhruv Jurel struggled in the T20I series against England earlier this year, the RR management will hope he finds his rhythm. Shimron Hetmyer will play a crucial role as a match-finisher. Yudhvir Singh is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, likely batting at number seven.

Jofra Archer will lead the pace attack, while Wanindu Hasaranga will head the spin department. Sandeep Sharma has been a reliable bowler for RR since 2023, and Maheesh Theekshana will be looking to make an impact in his first season with the team. Fazalhaq Farooq and Kwena Maphaka are the two more pace bowlers in the squad. 

Tushar Deshpande may be used as an impact player, known for his wicket-taking ability, although he needs to improve his economy rate. Akash Madhwal had an impactful performance with the ball in the last two seasons and can also be used as an impact player. Kumar Karikeya can also be used as an impact player.

Here is the strongest playing 11 of Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025:

Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Yudhvir Singh, Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sandeep Sharma,Maheesh Theekshana.

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