IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals SWOT Analysis, Fixtures – All you need to know

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will head into IPL 2024 as one of the strongest sides, both on paper and on field. The side last lifted the trophy in the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008 after beating CSK. Led by Sanju Samson, the team has put up commendable performances in the last few editions, but that hasn’t allowed them to go anywhere near the trophy.

Comprising of the likes of Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yashasvi Jaiswal, RR is nothing short of a powerhouse in this edition of IPL. If there was only one space where the side had faltered in the past, it was their bowling. And RR seems to have fixed the issue this time, having made new recruits while their veterans have been in stunning form.

RR’s performance over the years in IPL

Rajasthan Royals started their IPL career on a high-note, winning IPL 2008. In 2009, they ended the competition on the 6th position. It went from bad to worse, as they finished 2010 on the 7th position.

They didn’t do any better for years after that as well. To add to their miseries, the team was rocked by spot-fixing scandals, leading to the arrest and suspension of three of their players. Their comeback after a two-year ban was also not that great. They hovered around the same spot in the points table that they were so used to.

Rajasthan Royals SWOT analysis

Strengths

Batting is no doubt the strong suit for the Royals. Yashasvi Jaiswal is coming into IPL 2024 riding on the back of phenomenal form. His opening partner Jos Buttler is definitely a force to reckon with in T20s. His numbers in the IPL speak for themselves and his prowess. Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag will hope to replicate their feat from the recently concluded Test and Ranji series in the upcoming IPL, adding more power to the side’s batting.

As far as bowling is concerned, RR’s strength will undoubtedly be spin. The seasoned duo of Ashwin and Chahal are a combo that could come of use to the side at any given venue across the country. Their pace department looks good as well, with the recruitment of South Africa sensation Nandre Burger. Old horses Trent Boult, Sandeep Sharma and Navdeep Saini form the core of RR’s pace department.

Weaknesses

It is imperative for captain Sanju Samson to be more consistent in this tournament in order for RR to see success. Although the possibility of the Kerala batter getting an opportunity to bat in each game is quite low, it is also the IPL and top-order collapses are unpredictable. West Indies batter Shimron Hetymer will also need to come out all guns blazing in IPL 2024 to ensure impact is made.

Rovman Powell’s inclusion in the XI is something that will clash with Hetymer’s. Given that both are known for their fiery six hitting prowess, the latter has a slight advantage in terms of experience in IPL.

The absence of Prasidh Krishna is bound to hurt the Royals as he has played a crucial role for the side over the years. Avesh Khan and Adam Zampa will also have to be at their best and cannot afford to concede runs erratically.

Latest news on RR and IPL 2024

Key players

Yashasvi Jaiswal will arguably be the player to watch out for. His form over the last year has been absolutely phenomenal. Jos Buttler will be one of the key players for the Royals. Ashwin and Chahal will be the ones to keep an eye on, in terms of RR’s bowling attack.

RR IPL 2024 schedule

• Match 1: March 24 – Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants, Jaipur (3:30PM IST)
• Match 2: March 28 – Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals, Jaipur (7:30PM IST)
• Match 3: April 1 – Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai (7:30PM IST)
• Match 4: April 6 – Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, Jaipur (7:30PM IST)

Rajasthan Royals: RR Full Squad

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).