The selection in the RR batting order has become a hot topic in their IPL 2026 clash against DC where Ravindra Jadeja was brought in ahead of the hard-hitting finisher Donovan Ferreira. RR bounces back after a torrid start Rajasthan Royals (RR) opted to bat first at Match No. 43 of the IPL 2026, but their decision didn't pan out initially. Both of the top-order duo and consistent finishers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, got dismissed for single-digit scores, making it their first fail of the season. With the early collapse pressuring their middle-order, the captain Riyan Parag stood up for the team as he was seen playing an anchor role building a partnership with Dhruv Jurel and scoring his first half-century of the season. But Jurel could not capitalize on his opportunity and ended up getting out once again with another modest score. Despite a good pitch to bat on and 7 plus overs remaining in the innings the Royals looked set to cross 200 but were seen sending in Jadeja ahead of Ferreira a decision which was questioned by the fans. Also Read | RR vs DC Match 43 Result: Who Won Yesterday’s IPL Match? Full Highlights & Awards Why Jadeja was promoted up the order? The decision was unusual, as the Ferreira is the one who holds the status of one of the most aggressive finishers for the Royals, and it seemed to be an opportunity for the finisher to steal the game away, if he finds his rhythm. Explaining the call in a broadcast RR batting coach Vikram Rathour highlighted the strategy, explaining that it was to counter the threat of the spin bowlers and as their opposition, DC has one in their ranks who is Kuldeep Yadav who still had a good amount of overs remaining to bowl. Vikram Rathour Said: "Jadeja is a better player of spin" adding that his brisk running between the wickets is another benefit. He also emphasized that an earlier innings where Jadeja had scored 43* off 29 against LSG was a part of the team's thought process for the decision." Even so, the decision did not fully go as planned. But once the South African came on he made his presence felt as he started smashing the opposition all around the park especially when he scored 3 sixes against Kuldeep Yadav at the 17th over which would surely raise questions about why was he not sent earlier on such a pitch and occasion. He helped his team get to a above par total with his powerful late hitting which ignited a debate on the topic.