IPL Preview - Best XI, Strengths, Weaknesses, Star Players & X-Factors and lots more of Each Team

Rajasthan Royals

Rahane will be looking to ensure Steve Smith is not missed by RR

Squad

Ajinkya Rahane, Heinrich Klaasen, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Sanju Samson, Aryaman Birla, Midhun S, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Darcy Short, Ben Laughlin, Jatin Saxena, Shreyas Gopal, Anureet Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Ankit Sharma, Gowtham Krishnappa, Rahul Tripathi, Prashant Chopra, Dushmantha Chameera, Jofra Archer, Zahir Khan, Mahipal Lomror

Best XI

Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Tripathi, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Darcy Short, Joffra Archer, Stuart Binny, Gowtham Krishanppa, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Strengths

The squad ticks a lot of boxes, a solid opening partnership, a world-class allrounder in Stokes, one of the most explosive keeper-batsmen in the world in Buttler and the explosive X-factor of Joffra Archer.

Weaknesses

Losing out on Steve Smith was a big blow. Smith is one of the best batsmen in the world and it won't be easy replacing him. The bowling does seem light on end over specialists and the side does seem to be missing a quality spinner.

Prediction: The squad is not poor by any means, but there are better units out there. Royals could make a push for the playoffs, but expect them to fall a little short of that target.