Former India National Cricket Team opening batsman Aakash Chopra has picked the probable playing XI of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Aakash Chopra also predicted the highest run-scorer and wicket-taker for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
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Rajasthan Royals to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2025 opener
Under the leadership of Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals (RR) will open their campaign in the Indian Premier League 2025 against the Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The match between the two teams is all set to be played on Sunday, March 23, afternoon at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Uppal, Hyderabad.
Rajasthan Royals will have revenge on their minds as they enter the clash, as it was the Sunrisers Hyderabad who knocked them out of the IPL 2024 by defeating them in Qualifier 2 by 36 runs.
In the last few years, the inaugural champions RR have emerged as one of the top teams in the Indian Premier League IPL, and this time around, under the new head coach Rahul Dravid, they will be looking to cross the final hurdle and lift their second trophy.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson picked as openers by Aakash Chopra
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra picked Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson as openers for Rajasthan Royals with Nitish Rana taking the No.3 spot.
He backed Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Shimron Hetmyer to bat in the middle order and picked Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Mahesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, and Tushar Deshpande as the bowlers.
“What could their XI be like? Yashasvi Jaiswal with Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana at No. 3, Riyan Parag at No. 4, Dhruv Jurel at No. 5, and Shimron Hetmyer at No. 6. Wanindu Hasaranga could be there at No. 7,” he said.
“They might use Shubham Dubey as an Impact Player. Then Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, and any Indian bowler with them – Tushar Deshpande in all likelihood,” Chopra added.
Aakash Chopra predicts Yashasvi Jaiswal and Wanindu Hasaranga as top performers for RR
Aakash Chopra further predicted that Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the top run-getter and Wanindu Hasaranga will be the highest wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025. He also backed the young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel to be the breakout star of the team.
“Who could score the most runs? I think Yashasvi Jaiswal. I am hoping that he would go close to the Orange Cap.
“Who could have a breakout season? I am going to go with Dhruv Jurel. Who could take the most wickets? Toss-up between Wanindu Hasaranga and Jofra Archer. I feel Jofra might not play all matches, so I will go with Wanindu Hasaranga,” he observed.
