Time To Drop Shimron Hetmyer; RR Strongest XI vs PBKS For IPL 2026, Match 40

RR Strongest XI vs PBKS For IPL 2026, Match 40. Credits- AP

After winning four in four games, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have won just a solitary match in their next four outings. They are coming off another defeat and will now take on the table-toppers, the Punjab Kings (PBKS), at Mullanpur on Tuesday (April 28).

In RR’s last outing, despite a heavy start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, slamming a 36-ball century vs SRH, and Dhruv Jurel took them to 228/6. Although they started well in the chase, gung-ho batting from Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma denied the Royals a victory.

Jofra Archer and Brijesh Sharma were able to bag two wickets each, while Donovan Ferreira bagged a consolidatory wicket. However, the Orange Army chased down the target with nine balls to spare.

Ahead of Rajasthan’s next game, let us look at how the RR Playing XI vs PBKS could look like.

RR Playing XI vs PBKS, IPL 2026, Match 40

Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel

It seems Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is batting on a completely different surface altogether. The young prodigy has already smoked 357 runs in eight innings, striking at nearly 235. He is coming off a legendary knock the other night, and will be the most dangerous player in the RR Playing XI vs PBKS.

However, Sooryavanshi's partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has not been having a good time with the bat in the last couple of innings. It seems his runs have dried up since hitting those successive fifties. The left-handed batter will be a crucial cog if RR wishes to defeat the table-toppers.

Dhruv Jurel regained his form as he scored a vital 51 but in a winning cause. Thus, he will be a key member of the RR Playing XI, given that he would contribute majorly in both innings.

Also Read: Rajasthan Royals Issue Official Update On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Injury

Middle Order & All-Rounders: Riyan Parag, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja

It is high time that Captain Riyan Parag needs to start firing with the bat for the Royals. Although his captaincy has been on point, considering IPL 2026 is his first as a full-time captain. However, RR would want runs from Parag.

Given too many out-of-sorts players in the middle order, the team management will look to rejig things. Thus, it is highly likely that Shimron Hetmyer gets dropped for Lhuan-dre Pretorius in the RR Playing XI vs PBKS. Although the Proteas have had their opportunities earlier, he can come in handy against Marco Jansen in the middle overs.

Rajasthan's all-rounders, Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja, have done exceedingly well for the inaugural champions. Ferreira did well vs SRH, scoring 33 quick runs and taking a wicket, but Jadeja failed to break the partnership in the middle overs. The two will be crucial to the RR Playing XI, especially at Mullanpur.

Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi

If RR has to beat PBKS, the duel of Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger needs to deliver. They would want wickets from the two speedsters, not just with the new ball, but in all phases of the innings. Considering the firepower of Punjab's batting, Archer and Burger will become the most important part of the RR Playing XI.

Ravi Bishnoi will again be important in the RR Playing XI vs PBKS. Although the Punjab middle order, especially Shreyas Iyer, plays spin really well, the leggie can win you games from any situation, the way he is bowling this season.

Brijesh Sharma went for runs against SRH, but he was able to bag two wickets. He has been the find of the season for RR, and his change of pace may come in handy at Mullanpur. Sandeep Sharma, the local boy, will be the likely Impact Player given the experience he has of playing on these conditions.

RR Playing XI vs PBKS- Match 40, IPL 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Riyan Parag (c)
Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Donovan Ferreira
Ravindra Jadeja
Jofra Archer
Nandre Burger
Brijesh Sharma
Ravi Bishnoi