Sanju Samson's side to keep faith in England star, Trent Boult returns: RR's predicted XI vs KKR in IPL 2023

Rajasthan Royals have lost their last three matches in a row and are slipping up after a fantastic start to the seaon.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2023 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 11. RR will be looking to get back to winning ways after the defeat they suffered at the hands of SRH in Jaipur in their last game. After winning 4 out of their first five games they have now lost 5 out of the last six, including the last three games in a row. The Sanju Samson-led side are currently fifth on the points table. (KKR vs RR Live Score IPL 2023)

RR have lost the momentum they got early in the league stage (AP)

RR dominated their first game of the season against SRH but lost their second game to PBKS by 5 runs. The Royals bounced back to beat DC by 57 runs in Guwahati. Then RR beat the CSK by 3 runs in a thrilling game in Chennai. RR made it three wins in a row as they beat the reigning champions Gujarat Titans by 3 wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RR lost narrowly to LSG in their first game in Jaipur this season as they failed to chase down a target of 155. RR then lost to RCB by 7 runs as they could not chase down a target of 190 in Bangalore. RR then beat CSK in Jaipur. RR then lost to MI by 6 wickets as the bowlers could not defend 212 runs and the MI batters took their team home. Then GT beat RR by 9 wickets in a one-sided game. Last time out, SRH beat RR on the final ball as the RR bowlers could not 215 at home.

Jos Buttler has scored 392 runs so far in ten innings. Hetmyer started the season in scintillating form but has failed to contribute in the last few games. He has scored 219 runs so far. Jaiswal is the current top run-getter for the team with 477 runs and skipper Samson has chipped in with 308 runs so far.

Dhruv Jurel and Ashwin have also contributed well to the teams batting performances lower down the order. Devdutt Padikkal has also scored 206 runs this season. Riyan Parag has been in poor form this season and as a result has been in and out of the team. Joe Root came into the side in the last game but did not get an opportunity to bat, he is expected to continue in the side.

As for the bowlers. Chahal has scalped 17 wickets at an economy of eight, Ashwin has picked up 14 wickets at an economy of seven and Boult has picked up ten wickets, but missed the last game and is expected to come back in if fit. Sandeep Sharma has picked up eight wickets and Jason Holder has also chipped in with a few important scalps, though he has leaked runs on a few occasions. Zampa also has five wickets this season.

Zampa or M Ashwin could be in the playing eleven depending on whether Root starts or not. Riyan Parag, M Ashwin or Kuldeep Sen might be utilised as the Impact player depending on whether RR bat or field first.

Openers: Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Middle Order: Dhruv Jurel, Sanju Samson (c) (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Joe Root.

All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin.

Bowlers: Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma, Murugan Ashwin.