NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals (RR), champions of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, enter the 2025 edition of the tournament with renewed hunger and a bolstered squad. After a promising campaign in 2024 that saw them reach Qualifier 2, the Royals are looking to go one step further and clinch their second IPL title.
With Sanju Samson continuing to lead the side — barring the first three matches where Riyan Parag will captain the team in unfit Samson’s place, RR have struck a fine balance between retaining their core and adding firepower in key areas.
Strong Leadership and Core Retentions
Sanju Samson remains at the helm as captain and wicketkeeper, bringing calm leadership and explosive batting to the middle order. Under the stewardship of former India head coach Rahul Dravid, the Royals have held onto a strong core of performers from last season, including the ever-improving Yashasvi Jaiswal, versatile all-rounder Riyan Parag, promising keeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, and Caribbean powerhouse Shimron Hetmyer. Veteran seamer Sandeep Sharma also continues with the franchise, offering control and experience with the new ball.
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New Signings
RR were active at the auction table, strengthening both their bowling and batting departments. The headline addition is the return of express pacer Jofra Archer, who reunites with the Royals to form a lethal pace trio with Tushar Deshpande and Fazalhaq Farooqi. The spin department sees the inclusion of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga — two of the most sought-after T20 spinners globally.
On the batting front, Nitish Rana and Parag bring flexibility and leadership experience, while young Vaibhav Suryavanshi has turned heads in domestic cricket with his fearless approach — a potential breakout star in the making.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths:
- Explosive Batting Core: The top and middle order comprising Jaiswal, Samson, Hetmyer, and Parag can dismantle any bowling attack on their day.
- World-Class Spin Duo: Hasaranga and Theekshana offer wicket-taking options in the middle overs with control and variation.
- Pace Firepower: With Archer leading the pack, RR’s pace attack has both speed and skill, complemented by the consistency of Sandeep Sharma and the swing of Farooqi.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of All-Round Options: Outside of Hasaranga, the Royals are short on genuine all-rounders, which could affect balance, especially in close matches.
- Lower Order Fragility: While the top six is strong, the tail lacks batting depth, making collapses more damaging if early wickets fall.
Opportunities:
- Unleashing Young Talent: Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Kwena Maphaka are exciting prospects who could surprise opponents and change games.
- Momentum from 2024: Having reached the Qualifier 2 last season, RR can build on that foundation to aim for a title run.
Threats:
- Injury Risks: Jofra Archer’s fitness has been a recurring concern. A setback to him or Hasaranga could significantly impact team balance.
- High Expectations: Having been so close to the final last year, anything less than a top-two finish could be seen as underachievement.
RR’s Best XI for IPL 2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (C & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Impact Player Options: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka
Full Rajasthan Royals Squad – IPL 2025
- Batters: Sanju Samson (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga
- Wicketkeepers: Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Rathore
- Pacers: Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Akash Madhwal, Yudhvir Charak, Ashok Sharma
- Spinners: Maheesh Theekshana, Kumar Kartikeya Singh
With a world-class bowling attack and a batting unit capable of fireworks, Rajasthan Royals are well-poised to be serious contenders in IPL 2025. If they can find the right balance and avoid injury setbacks, this could finally be the year they add a second trophy to their cabinet.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
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