Batting order Rajasthan Royals must target for IPL 2023 to make better use of Riyan Parag
Rajasthan Royals reached the finals of IPL 2022. They have retained the core for next season. Riyan Parag has been in stunning form in domestic cricket and RR might think of utilizing the youngster better. In this article, we look at the batting order Rajasthan Royals must target for IPL 2023 to make better use of Riyan Parag.
Often, Riyan Parag has been used as a finisher by RR. It is a role that can lead to a lot of failures due to the high-risk approach. While RR has been grooming Riyan for a role in the lower half of the middle order, they can actually re-arrange their batting line-up to take the maximum use of Riyan's skills.
Openers: Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal forged an excellent opening combination in the back end of IPL 2022. While Buttler has been in a similar touch, Jaiswal is also doing well in domestic cricket. Hence, it is likely that this combination will not be changed. A backup domestic opener could be hired by the franchise, though.
No.3: Devdutt Padikkal/Overseas Batter
RR can afford to use an overseas batter at No.3 in the batting order Rajasthan Royals must target for IPL 2023 to make better use of Riyan Parag. RR sometimes used just three foreigners in the XI in IPL 2022. However, they now know their combination and can actually target an overseas batter for this role. Devdutt Padikkal is available but he is best suited at the top of the order. Hence, someone like Rilee Rossouw could be targeted by the franchise.
No.4: Riyan Parag
While Riyan has no problems intent-wise, he can add better value in the middle overs, thanks to his game against spin. He can also play the long innings if he slots in at No.4. Therefore, this is the change RR might have to make if Riyan has to be utilized better,
No.5: Sanju Samson
Sanju Samson has to play as a finisher in the batting order Rajasthan Royals must target for IPL 2023 to make better use of Riyan Parag. Sanju Samson has proved himself at No.3 and as an opener. Now, to have a better chance of freezing his spot in Team India, Sanju has to show his skills as a finisher. Even for RR, it would be better if someone experienced in the final overs.
No.6: Shimron Hetmyer
Hetmyer played a similar role in IPL 2022. Although he is also suited for a No.3 role, for the balance of this XI, he has to play as a finisher. Hence, we have Hetmyer at No.6
No.7: R Ashwin
Ideally, R Ashwin is suited as a No.8 batter. However, RR has to accommodate four out of Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Sen, Trent Boult and Obed McCoy in the bowling department. Hence, having R Ashwin at No.7 is the only way forward for the team.