Rajasthan Royals had retained all six players ahead of the 2025 IPL Mega auction but had the smallest purse approaching the auction with the remaining purse of 41 Crore. In the auction, they had a blended auction as they bought 14 players. This article will go through the SWOT Analysis of Rajasthan Royals’ potential XI for the IPL 2025.
In the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, The Rajasthan Royals bought 14 players with five being overseas & the most expensive player in the form of Jofra Archer who had previously represented the franchise.
How did Rajasthan Royals’ perform in the IPL 2024?
The Rajasthan Royals had a steady start in the IPL 2024 as they started the season well with eight wins in the first nine matches but lost the last four matches consecutively but still made it to the playoffs with 16 points as they finished third. They beat RCB in the eliminator before losing to the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Qualifier 2. It was a commendable season for the side as they reached the playoffs but fell short of reaching the finals.
Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2025 Squad:
Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mahesh Theekshana, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Nitish Rana, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Charak, Fazal Farooqi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Strengths:
Reliable middle lineup: The Rajasthan Royals’ batting line-up consists of Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetymer, and Dhruv Jurel who also have been flying high in International Cricket which will bring increased confidence, vitality, and zest to whatever the Royals do.
Steady Bowling attack: Following the addition of Jofra Archer it has provided a reliable option for the Royals in the powerplay whereas the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana & Wanindu Hasaranga could be impactful in the middle overs. While Tushar Deshpande can bowl across phases with the knack of taking wickets.
Weakness:
Limited Overseas Depth: The Royals have only six overseas players with the flexibility being reduced with only one specialist batter out of those in the form of Shimron Hetymer which could be a cause of concern for the side.
Inexperienced Indian Pace attack: The Indian pacers like Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal & Yudhvir Pathak have limited IPL exposure or IPL Consistency of proven exposures. Though Sandeep Sharma is experienced but not at his peak & less effective specifically in the powerplay.
Spin Department relies on Overseas players: Though the spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga & Mahesh Theekshana are excellent spinners, both of them occupy overseas slots which restrict the ability to compromise the overseas combination.
Opportunity:
Top Order Firepower: Sanju Samson could potentially open the innings this season alongside Yashaswi Jaiswal, both of them can capitalize on powerplay overs & provide a foundation at the start.
Building on the Future Core: The squad gives Rajasthan Royals a chance to develop young Indian talent for long-term planning & building a core with players like Yashaswi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel & Riyan Parag around.
Threats:
Injury Concerns: English pacer Jofra Archer has a history of fitness & injury concerns & any injury to the English pacer could lead to a weakened bowling line-up of the royals.
PROBABLE XI:
Sanju Samson, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Mahesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Akash Madhwal, Yudhvir Charak (Impact Player)