The 2023 edition of IPL is set to start in less than a week’s time. In the new season of the world’s richest franchise cricket league, the inaugural edition winners, the Rajasthan Royals, will open their campaign on Sunday (April 2) against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The Jaipur-based side impressed in the last edition of the cash-rich league and reached the final of IPL but failed to bag the title. This year they have made some key additions to the squad, which has strengthened both its batting and bowling. But they have suffered a big setback in the form of Prasidh Krishna, who has been ruled out of the entire IPL 2023 due to an injury, for which he will require surgery.
However, the Men in Pink have enough players in the squad who can fill the void created by the absence of the Karnataka pacer. Here’s a look at the Rajasthan Royals’ strongest playing XI for IPL 2023:
Yashasvi Jaiswal: The former India U-19 star has been in red-hot form in domestic cricket and has scored mountains of runs. He would like to continue the same form for the Royals as well.
Jos Buttler: England’s white-ball captain Jos Buttler finished as the leading run scorer in the IPL last year. In 17 matches of the IPL 2022, with four centuries, he scored 863 centuries. He would be eager to start from where he left off.
Devdutt Padikkal: The 2022 IPL was an average one for Padikkal, but the left-handed batter is a very talented one and can be a big asset for the Royals.
Sanju Samson (C): Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson will once again lead the side and bat at No. 4. He will be looking to score big runs to not just help RR win the IPL title but also to make his way into the Indian squad.
Shimron Hetymer: West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer will bolster the Royals’ middle order. He is capable of scoring runs at a quick pace.
Riyan Parag: Parag has also impressed with his all-round show in domestic cricket and would be eager to continue the same form in IPL 2023.
Jason Holder: Royals spent Rs 5.75 crore to acquire Jason Holder’s services in the IPL 2023 mini auction last year. He is a proven match-winner and will be a massive addition to the RR camp.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Ashwin is one of the world’s best spinners, and in the last couple of years he has improved his batting as well.
Kuldeep Sen: In the absence of Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep is likely to get more opportunities. He proved his mettle in the IPL last year, which helped him earn the India cap as well.
Trent Boult: Kiwi pacer Boult will lead the Royals bowling attack in IPL 2023 once again. He is one of the world’s best all-format bowlers and an IPL winner as well.
Yuzvendra Chahal: Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was the leading wicket-taker in the IPL last year, and he will be a major threat to opposing teams this year as well.
