Rajasthan Royals left fans and Twitterati shocked after dropping Jos Buttler from the opening slot and sending Robin Uthappa to bat as an opener with Ben Stokes. Uthappa, who until this RR vs RCB game, had batted in the middle order was restored to his usual opening slot. Uthappa has played the majority of his IPL career as an opening batsman and has had little success in the middle order. Fans were therefore excited to see the former Kolkata Knight Riders batsman back as an opener but were left surprised on seeing Buttler dropped and Stokes keep his place as an opener. RR vs RCB Live Score Updates Dream11 IPL 2020.

Stokes is one of the finest white-ball middle-order batsmen and has played most of his international and even IPL career in the middle order. But the 29-year-old England all-rounder has been playing as an opening batsman since arriving in UAE for the IPL. The decision to drop Buttler in the middle order and persist with Stokes as an opening batsman left fans perplexed. Shahbaz Ahmed Quick Facts: Here’s All You Need to Know About the Royal Challengers Bangalore All-Rounder.

Uthappa and Stokes, however, justified the decision with a solid 50-run stand in 5.4 overs. Uthappa, opening for the first time in IPL 2020, was the aggressor and got the innings rolling with four successive boundaries off Washington Sundar in the second over. He also smashed Isuru Udana for two boundaries and a maximum to help Rajasthan Royals record their first half-century run opening stand this IPL.

Rajasthan Royals Deciding Batting Order

Opening Combinations for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2020

Think About It...

Jos Buttler Dropped Down the Order to Accommodate New Opening Pair

Opening With Uthappa But Why Stokes?

With All These Changes, Jofra Archer and Rahul Tewatia Could Open Someday

Stokes was eventually dismissed by Morris off a half-volley which the left-hander edged to wicket-keeper AB de Villiers while trying to pull the slower delivery. Uthappa was also dismissed in the very next over when trying to smash Yuzvendra Chahal over mid-wicket. Uthappa was out for a 21-ball 41 run knock while Stokes made 15 off 19 deliveries.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2020 04:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).