The things are not working out for Rajasthan Royals even when they played at Sharjah in their previous game. Rajasthan Royals had a good start to the season with two wins in two games but they have dwindled since then. Rajasthan Royals lost to Delhi Capitals on Friday while chasing 185 at Sharjah and will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Rajasthan Royals have plenty of problems to ponder about. Their opening combination is not working out since game three. Sanju Samson has pushed down the order to provide more depth but the inconsistency has costed the team. Apart from Jofra Archer, nobody is firing in the bowling. Their one of the reliable bowlers, Shreyas Gopal has failed to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are on the back of a victory against Kings XI Punjab. It will be an uphill task for the struggling Rajasthan Royals to register a victory on Sunday. Here are the top three picks for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 13th edition of the cash-rich league:
#1) Jos Buttler
The England wicket-keeper batsman can be a dangerous batsman when he has a field day. Once Jos Buttler settles on the surface, it is difficult for the bowlers to get his wicket. It seemed that Jos Buttler could take away the game from Mumbai Indians but it was Kieron Pollard’s blinder that turned the match for the Mumbai outfit. On Sunday, Jos Buttler will be one of the top three picks for the Rajasthan Royals.
Buttler has 130 runs from five games at a strike rate of 149.42, With Sunrisers having an explosive bowling line-up, Jos Buttler has a big role to play at Dubai International Stadium.
#2) Ben Stokes
Rajasthan Royals have struggled without the services of Ben Stokes in IPL 2020 and their middle order has looked weak without him. Ben Stokes had missed the games because of personal reasons and has completed the mandatory quarantine. The player is expected to return to the side against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a big boost for Rajasthan Royals.
Ben Stokes will be one of the top three picks for Rajasthan Royals because of his both batting and bowling skills. Steve Smith will hope that the player can turn the tides for Rajasthan and set the proceedings for the rest of the season.
#3) Steve Smith
Steve Smith has come under severe criticism because of his decision making and poor captaincy. In the important games, he tried to open the innings instead of Sanju Samson. He is also suffering from the poor form after the first two games, a major cause of concern for the Rajasthan outfit.
On Sunday, in the scorching afternoon of Dubai, Steve Smith has a big role to play. Steve Smith might once again look to change his team setup as Ben Stokes is expected to return. Steve Smith will have to settle on the surface against the pace battery of Sunrisers Hyderabad who is looking for another victory on Sunday. Can Steve Smith put his team back on a winning track?
