with Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) star Suresh Raina has sparked the conversation by revealing his predicted XI for Rajasthan Royals (RR) starting on March 28. His options include some bold calls – most notably putting Ravindra Jadeja at number 4 and hinting at the possible omission of Sam Curran.
As Rajasthan prepare to open their campaign against CSK at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on March 30, Raina’s XI offers a tantalizing glimpse of how the maiden champions can shape up this season.
Suresh Raina has named RR’s playing XI for IPL 2026
Raina started with a strong and exciting opening pair – young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Fresh off a spectacular U19 World Cup campaign, teenage prodigy Suryavanshi is already making headlines with his fearless batting and big ambitions. Pairing him with Jaiswal gives RR an aggressive left-handed opening combination that can dominate the powerplays.
At No. 3, Raina deployed captain Riyan Parag, calling him an attacking option who could break the rhythm after two left-handers. With Parag stepping into the leadership role after Sanju Samson’s move to CSK, the responsibility on his shoulders will be significant.
Raina’s biggest surprise in the XI comes at No. 4, where he is included Ravindra Jadeja. Traditionally known as a low-order finisher, Jadeja’s rise offers a more strategic role in stabilizing the innings while maintaining his batting pace.
“Ravindra Jadeja could have easily been No. 4” said Raina.
The move shows Raina’s confidence in Jadeja’s ability to anchor the innings while stepping up when required – a role that could add flexibility to RR’s batting line-up.
In the middle order, Shimron Hetmyer ranks 5th as the designated finisher. Known for his explosive shot, Hetmyer remains a key asset in finishing shots strong. Behind him, Dhruv Jurel is expected to handle the wicketkeeping duties while adding stability at No.6.
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RR’s bowling strategy
One of the most talked about aspects of Raina’s projected XI is the uncertainty over Sam Curran’s place in the team. Despite being a high-profile all-rounder, Raina suggested that RR might opt ​​for a different overseas combination.
“I feel this is a team that will play. Maybe they won’t play Sam Curran and Ferreira can come on.” he added.
This leaves the door open for Donovan Ferreira to replace him, depending on the balance of the team and match conditions. It’s a tough call given Curran’s all-round abilities, but it reflects the competition for outfield places in the squad.
Raina’s overseas options include Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger or Curran, or Ferreira. This combination leans towards a strong pace attack which is especially suited to Guwahati conditions.
The bowling unit, as predicted by Raina, is focused on high pace. Along with Archer and Burger, it included Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma. This four-court set-up shows that RR can use tempo-friendly surfaces early in the tournament.
Raina chose Ravi Bishnoi as the Player of Impact and gave the team the opportunity to introduce spin depending on the match situations. Bishnoi’s ability to pick wickets in the mid-wickets makes him a valuable tactical weapon.
Also WATCH: Sanju Samson hilariously imitates Vaibhav Suryavanshi as he recalls his IPL conversation with Rahul Dravid.
