Former IPL champs, Rajasthan Royals find themselves in a strategic position with the second-least purse among the franchises, having only INR 14.50 crores to spend. The Royals will need to be judicious in their choices to plug the remaining holes in their squad.
Rajasthan Royals weakness, based on the analysis provided, include the lack of a strong lower-middle order, a pace all-rounder, and quality Indian pacers. The team would target players who can address these specific weaknesses.
The Royals boast a robust top order with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson. However, a glaring weakness is the absence of a strong middle order. The departure of Devdutt Padikkal has left a void that needs to be filled with consistent middle-order batsmen.
Rajasthan Royals though could be looking for an overseas batter, ideally an all-rounder, who can provide impetus to the second half of the innings. Overseas all-rounders are few and if they are looking for someone who can bowl seam, it could lead to intense bidding. With a purse of only ₹14.50 crore left, the second smallest among the 10 teams, and eight slots to fill — three are overseas slots — it would be interesting to see what they settle for.
Rajasthan Royals retained players:
Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Prasidh Krishna, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan (from LSG).
Rajasthan Royals released players:
Murugan Ashwin. KC Cariappa, KM Asif, Akash Vashisht, Abdul Basith, Kuldip Yadav, Joe Root, Jason Holder, Obed McCoy.
Rajasthan Royals remaining slots: 8 (3 overseas).
Rajasthan Royals purse remaining: Rs 14.5 crore.
