It has been a tough season for Rajasthan Royals (RR). They had their captain Sanju Samson as impact player for first three matches. Samson returned but RR's fortunes changed only briefly. After messing up a run chase against Delhi Capitals (DC) and losing in the super over, RR are eighth on the points table and seraching for a win. On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made a few tactical errors and lost to an out-of-form Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home. They are currently placed fifth in the points table.
While Samson said that he is feeling okay after the match against DC, there is a question mark over his availability for home encounter. RR have an option of playing 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi who has looked impressive in the nets. If Samson doesn't play, Riyan Parag will lead the side.
RR's pace-bowling has been weak despite Jofra Archer coming back in form. Tushar Deshpande who was expensive in the previous match may get replaced by either Akash Madhwal or Yudhuvir Singh Charak. RR can also go for an overseas option by playing Fazalhaq Farooqi or Kwena Maphaka. However, in order to do that, they'll have to drop a spinner which looks unlikely.
RR Predicted Playing XII
Probable XII: Sanju Samson (c and wk)/ Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande/ Akash Madhwal/ Yudhvir Singh Charak, Sandeep Sharma
Despite the loss against DC, LSG are unlikely to make many changes in their side. Their top order has been in superb form. The main issue lies in their pace-bowling attack. If Mayank Yadav gets clearance, he will be a starter. If not, Akash Deep may not get to play against RR. Prince Yadav is another option they have.
LSG Predicted Playing XII
Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Rishabh Pant (c and wk), David Miller, Abdul Samad, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Prince Yadav/ Akash Deep/ Mayank Yadav, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi
RR vs LSG Weather and Pitch Report
There is no chance of any rain on a hot day in Jaipur. The last game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the pitch was comparitively slow in the first innings. The captain winning the toss may look to bowl first.
RR vs LSG Full Squads:
Lucknow Super Giants Squad: Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant(w/c), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, David Miller, Shardul Thakur, Avesh Khan, Akash Deep, Digvesh Singh Rathi, Ravi Bishnoi, Prince Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Matthew Breetzke, Himmat Singh, Shamar Joseph, Manimaran Siddharth, Aryan Juyal, RS Hangargekar, Yuvraj Chaudhary, Akash Maharaj Singh, Mayank Yadav, Arshin Kulkarni
Rajasthan Royals Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson(w/c), Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Kumar Kartikeya, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi