IPL Auction 2020: One position each team should look to target

Rajasthan Royals: Indian top order batsman

Rajasthan need a dependable top-order batsman who can act as an anchor, maybe a Robin Uthappa

The champions of the inaugural IPL, Rajasthan Royals, see themselves starting this year's auction with one of the smallest squads in the league. With 14 players in their kitty, they seem to have a small but tidy unit, with what is possibly the strongest quartet of international stars with a decent Indian core around them.

Having released Ajinkya Rahane as well as Rahul Tripathi, the Jaipur-based franchise will open with both their keepers, Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler, with captain Steven Smith likely coming in at 3 or 4. With the trio of Ben Stokes, last year's biggest find Riyan Parag and Rahul Tewatia (traded in from Delhi Capitals) likely to finish proceedings for them, Rajasthan seems to have most of their batting in place.

Additionally, new acquisitions Tewatia and Mayank Markande will perfectly compliment Shreyas Gopal in the spin bowling department. Jofra Archer, one of Varun Aaron and recruit Ankit Rajpoot (traded from KXIP) and Ben Stokes will take care of the pace bowling, giving their bowling unit a well-rounded look.

The only issue with their batting order is a top-order batsman who can anchor the innings before the flourish of Ben Stokes. However, with Buttler, Smith, Stokes, and Archer occupying the 4 foreign slots, they will have to find a suitable Indian player to take up the position.

Possible Options: Robin Uthappa, Rahul Tripathi, Dhruv Shorey, Aditya Waghmode