Rajasthan Royals are going through a tough phase in the IPL 2025, losing back-to-back two matches. It seems like they have an unbalanced squad with a lack of all-rounders and an excess of bowlers. The team seems to be struggling in the two matches they have played so far under the captaincy of Riyan Parag. The batting performance has been inconsistent, with key players failing to deliver in crucial situations. Nitish Rana’s performance has particularly been under scrutiny, as he has scored only 19 runs in the two matches. Here, now Rajasthan Royals should consider making a change by dropping Nitish Rana and taking a gamble.
Nitish Rana’s struggles
Nitish Rana has faced continuous challenges in the last two seasons of IPL. During the 2024 season, he played only two matches for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), scoring 42 runs, after which he was released. Rajasthan Royals then bought him for 4.2 crores in the mega auction, but he has struggled to contribute now again. In the two matches this season, he has scored just 19 runs, showing the batting woes for the team.
If not Nitish, then who?
Rajasthan Royals should consider taking a gamble by giving a chance to the young player, Kunal Rathore. The left-handed middle order batter from Rajasthan has been part of the franchise since the 2023 season and is seen as a promising talent. He should be given an opportunity in the team. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy during the 2022–23 season, he scored 147 runs at an average of 36.75. He improved further in terms of the strike rate in the 2023-24 season, scoring 107 runs at an average of 35.66, with a strike rate increasing from 128.94 to 152.85. Currently, he has scored 254 runs in 12 domestic matches with a strike rate of 138.04.
A gamble worth taking?
Given Rajasthan’s disappointing performances, taking a gamble may be worthwhile. The IPL has often been a platform to discover new talents, and this might be the right time for Rajasthan to invest in a player they have been nurturing for over two seasons. While Nitish Rana is an incredible batter, he is currently struggling with his form and may need some time. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals can explore a new X-factor for the team.
