IPL 2020: Top 3 Picks for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians

Rajasthan Royals

The fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals are up against the second-placed Mumbai Indians in the 20th game of the Indian Premier League with an aim to reach the third spot in the league. A victory at Sheikh Zayed Stadium will help Rajasthan to secure the third-spot on Tuesday.

With the loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals’ team management have questions to ponder about. There is no batting left after the dismissal of the top three and looks vulnerable. Robin Uthappa is unable to score runs down the order and the scores are being restricted. Also, Jofra Archer is the only bowler who has been effective. The teams are negotiating Archer and go behind other bowlers to score runs. Steve Smith has to think about this if they are to return to the winning ways.

Here are the top three picks for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians at Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Tuesday:

#1) Sanju Samson

The player hailing from the state of Kerala is performing like a beast in UAE. The player has amassed 171 runs in four games. His best score in IPL 2020 is 85 and averages 42.75. It is one of the best averages in the ongoing IPL where the likes of MSD, Virat Kohli are struggling to get going. The team has heavily relied on Sanju Samson and it has become the norm that if Sanju performs, then only Rajasthan Royals wins.

Against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sanju Samson was given out over a controversial caught and bowled call. He was dismissed below 10 runs and was the main cause behind Rajasthan’s below-par score in Dubai. It might be a blip and Sanju Samson will be one of the top three picks for Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.

#2) Steve Smith

Steven-Smith

The Australian international and Rajasthan Royals captain has failed in his previous two innings and his strategy has backfired. The player, who was well-settled at number 3, promoted himself to open and has found no fruits in his adventure. The player has been dismissed for a paltry scoring when trying to hit the ball forcefully.

In four games, Steve Smith has 127 runs with two half-centuries and a best of 86 runs. Though it’s very early in the season, Steve Smith must return back to his original position if the team has to go to the next rounds. Sanju Samson has also suffered from this change and has failed to adapt to a new role. Despite all the concerns, Steve Smith will be one of the top three picks for the Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday.

#3) Jos Buttler

jos-buttler-ipl-inning-against-mi

The swash-buckling English wicket-keeper always has huge expectations from the fans and his teammates when he opens for Rajasthan Royals. However, the player has failed to meet the expectations as he has only 47 runs from three games. But, Jos Buttler can be a dangerous player on his day.

Mumbai Indians have a great bowling line-up consisting of Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah and James Pattinson who are known for destructing opposition. However, Jos Buttler has a perfect opportunity to show his mettle against the best in the battle of Best vs Best on Tuesday.