Cricket News

RR vs LSG IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI for Match 64

Dev Mishra · · 4 min read

The Stakes are High for Rajasthan Royals

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) find themselves in a precarious position as the IPL 2026 season approaches its business end. Once hailed as the tournament favorites, a string of three consecutive defeats has left the team fighting for their playoff survival. In Match 64, Riyan Parag and his squad head to their home fortress, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, to take on the already-eliminated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

The previous outing against the Delhi Capitals proved to be a bitter pill to swallow. Despite putting up a competitive total of 193/8, the Royals fell just short, as their bowling unit struggled to contain the opposition in the final overs. With only two games remaining in their league campaign, the pressure is mounting on the side to secure back-to-back victories to stay relevant in the race for the top four.

Top Order Dynamics: Stability and Firepower

The top order remains the most critical component for Rajasthan as they seek to set a challenging tone. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to be a revelation, having secured the record for the most sixes hit by an Indian in a single IPL season. His explosive 46 off just 21 balls against Delhi was a standout performance, and he remains an indispensable part of the lineup.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite a quiet spell, remains a match-winner of the highest caliber. His ability to find boundaries against elite bowlers like Mitchell Starc ensures his place at the top. Dhruv Jurel, coming off a well-composed half-century, is expected to hold down the number three spot, providing the necessary stability between the aggressive openers and the middle-order hitters.

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Middle Order and All-Rounder Strategy

Skipper Riyan Parag has been a focal point of the team’s resurgence. After returning to the XI following a brief absence, his gritty half-century against Delhi signaled he is in prime form to lead the charge against LSG. The middle order will rely heavily on his leadership and ability to anchor the innings.

A major point of speculation revolves around the fitness of Ravindra Jadeja. The veteran all-rounder missed the previous game due to a knee niggle, and his inclusion remains subject to a late fitness test. If sidelined, Ravi Singh is expected to retain his spot. The presence of Donovan Ferreira, despite a recent golden duck, is essential for the team’s finishing power, while Dasun Shanaka is likely to feature in the starting XI to bolster both the batting and bowling options.

The Bowling Attack: Seeking Consistency

Jofra Archer continues to be the spearhead of the RR bowling attack, consistently taking wickets even when the support from the other end has been lacking. To address the bowling woes, the team management is considering pairing Archer with Kwena Maphaka to increase the pace threat against the LSG batting order.

Brijesh Sharma has proven to be a consistent wicket-taker, and his role as the third seamer is secure despite conceding runs in previous matches. Furthermore, Yash Punja is poised to start, having been identified as a more effective option than the recently rotated Ravi Bishnoi. The bowling unit will need to function as a cohesive force to ensure that the Royals remain in the hunt for a playoff berth.

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Predicted Playing XI vs LSG

The following lineup represents the most balanced squad for the upcoming clash:

  • Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  • Yashasvi Jaiswal
  • Dhruv Jurel
  • Riyan Parag (Captain)
  • Ravindra Jadeja / Ravi Singh
  • Donovan Ferreira
  • Dasun Shanaka
  • Jofra Archer
  • Kwena Maphaka
  • Brijesh Sharma
  • Yash Punja

The Impact Player role will likely be utilized to maintain flexibility, with Shubham Dubey, Ravi Bishnoi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sushant Mishra, and Aman Rao available to step in as the situation dictates. As the Royals step onto the field this Tuesday, the atmosphere at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium will be electric, with the home fans hoping for a decisive performance that keeps the dream of the playoffs alive.