The Royals retained the joint-most players ahead of the mega auction alongside Kolkata Knight Riders (6). Rajasthan Royals will be out to showcase their royalty in the upcoming 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Royals retained the joint-most players ahead of the mega auction alongside Kolkata Knight Riders (6). Sanju Samson will lead the side, and one would see him open, given he is doing that now for Team India in T20Is and going well. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer were retained as well. So you get an ideal six already in the playing XI. However, surprisingly the Royals let go of several star names. Not holding Yuzvendra Chahal was a surprise to all. He is already RR’s top wicket-taker, having played for them for three seasons (2022-24). Similarly, Jos Buttler was another player they let go of alongside Trent Boult. RR will hope this won’t come back to bite them.
The mega auction in Jeddah saw the Royals get Sri Lankan spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana. By the look of things, they would be an integral part of the side and lead the spin show. Former pacer Jofra Archer was roped in for a whopping INR 12.50 crore. He fits in straight away and will lead the pace battery. RR also did well to get Indian customers in Nitish Rana and Tushar Deshpande. These additions highlight RR have a capable side to attack and go about their business. RR, who have former Team India coach Rahul Dravid at the helm, went bold by signing the youngest player in IPL history. They made history in securing 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He is a bright talent who could be in the same mold as Yashasvi Jaiswal. RR also went for some decent uncapped Indian players. However, the side has its main XI sorted and will go with purpose under Samson.
Ahead of the IPL 2025 season, we decode the strengths, weaknesses, and takeaways of RR.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 2024 de Cricket Today.
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