RR - IPL 2021 in UAE Team Preview

The most awaited second instalment of the Indian Premier League is scheduled to go on the floor from September 19th at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. The inaugural IPL’s winner Rajasthan Royals to start their campaign against Punjab Kings on September 21st and the best ipl betting apps have the odds up and running already. After having a decent first instalment Royals are currently sitting in the fifth position with 6 points in 7 matches. But the road to the playoffs won’t be easy for them especially after their key players - Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Jofra Archer won’t be available. So, what is in the platter for the Royals in the second instalment?

Let’s find out what has happened with the Royals so far and where they can finish this season.

History of Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals were the least favourite team to win the IPL in the inaugural season. But they managed to pull off a heist by winning the IPL under the captaincy of Australian legend Shane Warne. They beat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the final ball by 3 wickets while chasing 164 runs.

The journey became tougher in the following seasons for the RR. In 2015 a panel appointed by the Supreme Court of India suspended Royals for 2 years over a 2013 betting scandal. They returned in 2018.

IPL 2021 Auction

Royals shocked the IPL world by releasing their captain Steve Smith before the IPL 2021 mini-auction. Along with Steve Smith they released Tom Curran, Varun Aaron, Akash Singh, Anirudha Joshi, Ankit Rajpoot, Oshane Thomas, Shashank Singh in order to build a fresh team for the IPL 2021. With INR 34.85 crore (approx. USD 4.78 million) in the purse, they first signed Indian all-rounder and ex-RCB player Shivam Dubey for INR 4.4 crore (USD 604K). They splashed a fortune on South African all-rounder and another ex-RCB Chris Morris to make him the highest-paid player of the IPL. Morris cost RR INR 16.25 crore (USD 2.23 million).

RR then signed Mustafizur Rahman and welcomed back their former player Liam Livingstone for their base prices. Royals ended their auction by signing 4 uncapped Indian players - Kuldip Yadav, Akash Singh, Chetan Sakariya, KC Cariappa.

Players out: Steve Smith, Tom Curran, Varun Aaron, Akash Singh, Anirudha Joshi, Ankit Rajpoot, Oshane Thomas, Shashank Singh.

Players in: Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Liam Livingstone, Kuldip Yadav, Akash Singh, Chetan Sakariya, KC Cariappa.

Key Players

Sanju Samson: Royals skipper Sanju Samson has scored 277 runs in 7 matches at a strike rate of 145.78.

Jos Buttler: Buttler is the second leading run-scorer for the Royals with 254 runs. Buttler strengthened the opening slot under the absence of Ben Stokes and has a century and a strike rate of 153.01

Chris Morris: The newcomer Morris is currently the second leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 14 wickets at an average of 16.

IPL 2021 so far

Royals started their IPL 2021 campaign against Punjab Kings, we featured Betway India betting site for this game. Chasing the target of 222 runs Royals failed 4 runs short after skipper Sanju Samson scored 119 runs off 63 balls. RR came back stronger in the second game against the current table-toppers Delhi Capitals by beating them with 3 wickets in hand. RR then lost to CSK by 45 runs followed by their biggest defeat against RCB. RCB beat the royals by 10 wickets while chasing a 178 run target.

The defeats proved a stepping stone for the Royals as they won 2 of their final three games of the first instalment. In the last game against SRH, Royals put 220 runs on the board following 124 runs from opener Jos Buttler off 64 balls. Currently, Rajasthan Royals have 6 points in 7 matches and are in 5th position in the points table.

Rajasthan Royals are set to miss Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler in the second instalment. Andrew Tye has also opted out of the second instalment to spend time with his family. Royals have signed Kiwi batsman Glenn Phillips as a replacement for Jos Buttler. Royals have also signed the world number one T20I spinner Tabrez Shamsi as a replacement for Andrew Tye.

Performances of Players bought in IPL Auction 2021

Chris Morris: Money on point! The highest-paid IPL player has taken 14 wickets for RR and has scored at a strike rate of 154.83. His fiery knock of 36 runs off 18 balls helped RR win their first game of the season against Delhi Capitals.

Shivam Dubey: Dubey is yet to justify his worth. In 6 matches he has scored 145 runs at a strike rate of 117.88 and is wicketless after bowling just three overs.

Chetan Sakaria: Sakaria started the season as a regular bowler. The death over specialist has claimed 7 wickets in 7 matches at a strike rate of 8.22. Followed by his extraordinary performance for RR, he recently debuted for India.

Rajasthan Royals Squad:

Sanju Samson (c), Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Tewatia, Mahipal Lomror, Kartik Tyagi, Andrew Tye, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Manan Vohra, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahman, Kuldip Yadav, Akash Singh, Chetan Sakariya, KC Cariappa, Glenn Phillips, Tabrez Shamsi

Betting Expectations for IPL 2021’s second instalment

Against Punjab Kings: RR are set to start their campaign against Punjab Kings. Kings are placed below the RR in the points table. RR are looked at as favourites to take the revenge of the closest defeat against the Kings in their first game.

Against SRH and KKR: With both KKR and SRH struggling with their forms, RR is set to win the ties against the two teams.

Against DC, RCB, and CSK: Well, things are not in favour against the top three teams of the IPL 2021. With the lack of key players in the squad, Rajasthan will struggle in these three games.

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Conclusion for betting on Rajasthan during IPL 2021 in UAE

Though Rajasthan Royals are placed 5th in the points table, the second instalment of the IPL will not be easy for them. The squad will be almost new under the absence of English players. Skipper Sanju Samson will need to grill a lot with his squad in order to qualify for the playoffs.