After registering a great victory against Kings XI Punjab in their previous game, Rajasthan Royals have still remained in the competition and have a day left to fight for a place in the playoffs. Though the victory doesn’t guarantee a place in playoffs, Rajasthan Royals will have to register the victory on Sunday if they are to remain in contention for a playoff spot. A tough and intriguing game is on the cards for Steve Smith and co.
Off the late, everything seems to have clicked for Steve Smith and Rajasthan Royals. The star players like Robin Uthappa, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson have picked the form that has resulted in a string of wins. On Sunday, the captain will expect the same performance against fellow competitors, Kolkata Knight Riders.
In their previous game, despite the bowlers went for runs, Rajasthan Royals’ batsmen made merry of the target. Ben Stokes laid a strong foundation at the top of the order with a half-century from just 24 deliveries. Robin Uthappa and Sanju Samson played the middle overs without allowing the pressure to mount on them. Similarly, Jos Buttler and Steve Smith chased the target down with ease and gave no chance for the opposition to make comeback at any stage. On Sunday too, the team has to perform in the same fashion if they are to stand any chance.
😄 through the hustle!
Good spirits for our final league stage game! 💪#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily | #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/P7XebbuTVS
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 31, 2020
Here are the top three picks for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders at Dubai International Stadium:
#1) Robin Uthappa
The Indian wicket-keeper batsman was brought by Rajasthan Royals in the auction for a small sum and the fans asked questions about his form and fitness. He was even dropped from the side at the expense of Yashaswi Jaiswal. However, the failure of Yashaswi brought the player back to the side and was given a chance at the top of the order. The change has given drastic results for the captain with Robin Uthappa and Stokes providing substantial opening partnerships for the team.
In IPL 2020, Robin Uthappa has 190 runs in 11 games and will look to extend his purple patch on Sunday. He will be one of the top three picks for the Rajasthan Royals at Dubai International Stadium.
#2) Steve Smith
The captain of the team endured a tough start to the league after the team moved out of Sharjah. However, the dire need to win the games made Steve Smith find his form and the player rightfully returned back to the form against Chennai Super Kings. Since then, the player has been on top and has taken the team over the line with some sensible knocks.
Against Kolkata Knight Riders, Steve Smith has a big role to play. He will be one of the top three picks for Rajasthan Royals against the struggling KKR.
#3) Jos Buttler
The English wicket-keeper batsman was pushed down the order by Steve Smith and several star commentators questioned the move of the team management. However, the player has quashed all the doubts and critics with the critical knocks in the lower order. He will be one of the top three picks for RR at Dubai International Stadium.
Against Kolkata Knight Riders, Jos Buttler will be a given role to handle the middle order apart from providing a final flourish. Jos Buttler has to perform big if they are to stand a chance to qualify for the playoffs.
