Another exciting season of the IPL is coming up. This time, the upcoming edition will be an extra special because a thrilling mega auction is lined up before that. As the auction is going to be a bigger one, a lot of variables will be there that can change the scenarios. In the last year, Rajasthan Royals performed exceptionally well. But they are now going to face a bigger challenge before the upcoming mega auction. They need to retain six players from their incredible squad. Let’s explore which players could be the potential retentions ahead of the mega auction.
RR’s Big Challenge:
The first-ever winner of the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced a tough second half in their IPL 2024 campaign after a strong start, winning eight of their first nine matches. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure a top-two finish and were eliminated in the playoffs before reaching the finals.
As they prepare for IPL 2025, RR has made a significant move by signing Rahul Dravid as their mentor. Now, their biggest challenge is to decide which six players to retain for the upcoming season. Let’s explore who could be on the retention list of RR.
- Sanju Samson:
Sanju Samson has been a long-time member of the Rajasthan Royals. The captain of the franchise has been leading the team a long time now. Retention of Sanju Samson appears to be an obvious decision for the Rajasthan Royals. He has been the franchise’s leading run-scorer, accumulating 4,419 runs in 167 matches, including three centuries. Last season, he showcased his skills in 15 matches, scoring 531 runs with five impressive half-centuries. His ability to score consistently makes him invaluable.
Samson’s remarkable stroke play and responsible batting techniques have greatly contributed to the team’s success. As the captain, his leadership skills have proven essential in guiding the squad through challenging situations. Retaining him would be a strategic move for RR, establishing a strong foundation for future performances and ensuring stability in the team’s batting lineup.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal:
The next name in RR’s retention list would be Yashasvi Jaiswal. The left-handed batter becomes a sensation in the cricket world. After making debut as a youngster, he is a bright star now. Yashasvi Jaiswal has made a remarkable impact in the IPL, notably holding the record for the fastest fifty, scoring in just 13 balls. His impressive performances led to his debut for India, showcasing his immense talent.
Overall, he has accumulated 1,607 runs in 53 IPL matches, including two centuries and nine half-centuries, with a striking rate of 150.61. In the most recent edition, he played 15 matches and scored 435 runs, including an unbeaten century. As an opening batter, Jaiswal’s explosive style brings excitement to the game. His ability to score quickly and effectively makes him a valuable asset for any team. He could be a mindful retention for the team.
Over the past few years, Joss Buttler has emerged as their most reliable batter. In the 2022 season, Buttler dazzled with four centuries, accumulating 863 runs, which played a significant role in RR’s journey to the final. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a key asset for the franchise.
In the 2024 season, Buttler continued his impressive form, scoring two centuries. His capacity to change the game single-handedly ensures that RR will likely retain him. As an immensely experienced veteran, Buttler brings valuable depth to the batting lineup. His aggressive style and desire to dominate bowlers could propel RR closer to their championship aspirations, making his retention a strategic advantage.
- Trent Boult:
The thrilling Kiwi bowler is gracing the national side for long time. Along with this, he is one of the most complete T20 bowlers. He brings significant value during both powerplay and deathovers. With his dominating display, he troubles the opponent bowlers. Boult set the record for the most wickets taken in the first over of an IPL match, achieving a remarkable total of 27 dismissals.
Trent Boult has featured in 104 IPL matches, claiming 121 wickets at an average of 26.69. In the 2024 season, he played 16 games and took 16 wickets with an economy rate of 8.31. Retaining him would bolster Rajasthan Royals’ pace attack significantly, making his presence a valuable asset for their bowling strategy.
- Yuzvendra Chahal:
In Indian cricket, Yuzvendra Chahal is a spin-bowling sensation. Yuzvendra Chahal made headlines in IPL 2022 by winning the Purple Cap and achieving his first hat-trick. Over three seasons with Rajasthan Royals, he has taken 66 wickets. Chahal holds the record for the most wickets in IPL history, with 205 dismissals in 160 matches, boasting best figures of 5/40 and an economy rate of 7.84.
He was also the first bowler to reach the 200-wicket milestone in the IPL. In the latest edition, Chahal played 15 matches and claimed 18 wickets, with an economy rate of 9.11. Given his recent form, retaining him would provide RR with a formidable spin option, making him a cornerstone of their bowling attack moving forward.
- Sandeep Sharma:
Sandeep Sharma is a notable uncapped player for the Rajasthan Royals. This right-arm medium pacer from Punjab first gained recognition during the 2012 Under-19 ICC Cricket World Cup. Since joining the Royals, Sandeep’s bowling has become a valuable asset for the team. He has consistently excelled in the IPL, taking 114 wickets in 104 matches with an impressive average of 26.33 and an economy rate of 7.77.
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In the 2024 IPL season, he played 11 matches, securing 13 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 8.18. If RR decides to retain him as an uncapped talent, it could significantly bolster their bowling lineup. Sandeep’s experience and skill would be a tremendous advantage as they aim for success in upcoming tournaments.
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