IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals' predicted XI for their first match

Middle order batsmen

Sanju Samson after scoring a century for DD last year

Rahul Tripathi was one of the main reasons for Rising Pune Supergiant reaching the final in 2017. He scored seven 30+ runs in eight innings after which he was promoted up the order. Overall, he scored 391 runs in 14 innings at a thunderous strike rate of 146.44.

Tripathi finished as the second highest run-getter for his side. Having him in the middle order can work wonders for RR.

Sanju Samson and the South African wicket-keeper Heinrich Klaasen are valuable names in the middle order of this batting line-up. Samson scored 386 runs in 14 matches for DD last year, which included a phenomenal century off 63 deliveries.

Klaasen was recruited by RR as a replacement for Smith. He is a clean striker of the ball and is well-known for being an amazing player of spin. His performance against India was incredible, especially the T20 match in Centurion where he scored 69 off 30 balls to help South Africa successfully chase down 189 with six wickets to spare.

The Royals do have the option of swapping Klaasen with Jos Buttler, but considering Klaasen's abilities as a finisher he is likely to get the nod.

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