IPL 2015 News: No Home Advantage, But Rajasthan Royals Confident of Making an Impact

Rajasthan Royals are often considered as the underdogs in the IPL, but they always tend to upset the big guns in this Twenty 20 tournament. Skipper Shane Watson believes his side can do so again, expressing happiness with the number of match-winners in his squad. 

The Royals have a star-studded line-up this time with three big Australians who fared well during the recently concluded ICC World Cup 2015 -- Watson, Steven Smith and James Faulkner -- in the side.

"The most important thing in the IPL is to get off to a good start and we know we have to hit the ground running," said Watson. "But we know we have the players capable of doing that."

New Zealand seamer Tim Southee is also a part of this squad who can make a difference with the ball. Ajinkya Rahane has made quiet a name in the international circuit for his batting skills and he is expected to open the batting for his side.

The Royals' capped and uncapped Indian players make a big difference every year. Pravin Tambe, Sanju Samson, Stuart Binny, Dhawal kulkarni and others will look to make an impression again. But, Watson has to be careful and wise in picking his playing XI.

Rajasthan Royals will play their home matches at Ahmedabad and Mumbai (Brabourne Satdium). We all know that Sawai Maan Singh Stadium in Jaipur has been their fortress where they hold an unbelievable record but this time they will not be getting home advantage. Rahul Dravid, the mentor to the Royals said: "We are playing in Ahmedabad and Mumbai which is home now. Obviously, we miss (playing in Jaipur). "

"We have a good team. It is well balanced. We have batsmen batting as low as No. 7 and 8. We have all-rounders in the line-up like James Faulkner, Shane Watson.

"We also have Dhawal Kulkarni in the team. So we have a balanced team but at the same time I will say that all eight teams are good."

Royals will face last year's finalists Kings XI Punjab in their first match on Friday.