Rajasthan Royals Best Playing XI for IPL 2025: Can Sanju Samson Lead RR to Their Second IPL Title?

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are gearing up for IPL 2025 with an exciting and well-balanced squad, filled with a mix of experienced internationals and rising Indian talents. With the IPL 2025 season just around the corner, Rajasthan Royals will look to bounce back and make a significant impact after the changes to their squad in the mega auction. The Royals have always had a knack for being unpredictable and possess the ability to surprise their opponents. This year, the squad looks poised to deliver a more consistent and formidable performance.

Here’s a closer look at RR’s predicted playing XI for IPL 2025, featuring a powerful top order, a dependable middle order, and a potent bowling attack.

1. Sanju Samson (C & WK)

Sanju Samson, the captain of Rajasthan Royals, will once again lead the team with his dynamic batting at the top of the order. As one of the most consistent performers in the IPL, with over 4,400 runs in 167 matches at a strike rate of nearly 140, Samson will be the backbone of RR’s batting lineup. The wicketkeeper-batter’s leadership and experience will be crucial as the Royals look to make a deep run in IPL 2025.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal is set to continue opening for RR in IPL 2025. The young Indian sensation has been one of the brightest prospects for the Royals in recent seasons. With 1,607 runs in 52 IPL matches and a strike rate of over 150, Jaiswal has proved his ability to provide explosive starts. In the absence of Jos Buttler, Jaiswal will be the key to providing RR with quick-fire runs at the top.

3. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag’s breakthrough season in 2024 has solidified his position in the starting XI for IPL 2025. The promising all-rounder amassed 573 runs with four half-centuries last season, and with 1,173 runs in 69 IPL matches, Parag has become a reliable middle-order batsman for RR. His ability to stabilize the innings in the middle overs will be crucial for the team.

4. Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana, who moves to RR after a quiet season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will be eager to rediscover his form and make an impact at No. 3. With over 2,600 IPL runs, including 18 half-centuries, at a strike rate of 135, Rana’s experience and ability to anchor the innings will be invaluable for RR. This season offers him the perfect opportunity to build a solid foundation in the middle order.

5. Dhruv Jurel

Young Dhruv Jurel has emerged as a vital contributor for RR, especially in the middle order. The 22-year-old has showcased his power-hitting abilities in IPL, scoring 347 runs in 27 matches at a strike rate of 150. Jurel will be expected to provide finishing touches alongside Hetmyer, ensuring RR can set or chase competitive totals with ease.

6. Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer, known for his explosive hitting in the death overs, will be one of the key finishers for RR in IPL 2025. With 1,244 runs in 72 IPL matches at a strike rate of 150, Hetmyer’s role will be crucial in ensuring RR can accelerate in the later stages of the innings. His power-hitting will provide the Royals with the ability to close out games under pressure.

7. Wanindu Hasaranga

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga will be a major player in RR’s IPL 2025 campaign. A proven match-winner, Hasaranga has 35 wickets in 26 IPL matches and is a valuable lower-order batter as well. His spin bowling will be vital for RR, especially in the middle overs, where he can break partnerships and keep the scoring under control.

8. Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer’s return to the IPL after a few years will be a massive boost for RR. With 46 wickets in 35 IPL matches, Archer is one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in T20 cricket. His pace and bounce will provide RR with the much-needed firepower at the death. In addition to his bowling skills, Archer’s ability to score quick runs down the order makes him a valuable all-rounder.

9. Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma’s experience and consistency will make him a crucial player in RR’s pace attack. The 29-year-old pacer has 137 wickets in 127 IPL matches and has been known for his ability to swing the ball early on. His role as a new-ball bowler will be critical in getting early breakthroughs for RR and containing the opposition’s top order.

10. Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana adds variety to RR’s bowling attack. Known for his mystery spin and ability to bowl in the powerplay, Theekshana has 25 wickets in 27 IPL matches. His economical bowling and knack for taking crucial wickets make him a key player for RR in IPL 2025.

11. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal, the emerging Indian pacer, will complete RR’s bowling attack in IPL 2025. Madhwal’s pace and aggressive approach make him a valuable asset in the team, especially in the death overs. His ability to bowl yorkers and generate bounce will provide much-needed depth to RR’s pace department.

12. Tushar Deshpande (Impact Player)

The former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) pacer, Tushar Deshpande, could be used as an impact player, adding more depth to the bowling department, especially in matches where extra pace is required. Sanju Samson will play as a pure batter. He will not take the field in the first few matches. Tushar could replace him in the playing XI once Samson finishes his batting.

Rajasthan Royals Playing XI

Sanju Samson (C & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Maheesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Tushar Deshpande (Impact Player)

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