The inaugural champions of Indian Premier League Rajasthan Royals have always been the dark horses in the tournament. After getting back to the thick of things of IPL this season post their two-year suspension, the new management at Rajasthan has managed to pull up an excellent side.
Known to nurture young talents over the years, Rajasthan had been little unorthodox to their approach in this season’s auction as they went all out for the players they deemed fit to their franchise. Here we look at the possible lineup that Rajasthan Royals will field this season.
Ajinkya Rahane (C)
With Steve Smith banned from playing IPL this season, Ajinkya Rahane holds all the keys for Rajasthan both in batting as well as in leading the side to glory. He will be the most important batsman as others will need to play around him.
Rahul Tripathi
The youngster made a name for himself during last season when he played some scintillating knocks over the course of the season. He will be one of the emerging players to look forward to this year.
Sanju Samson
The young wicketkeeper, who made a name for himself during his early years at Rajasthan Royals. He will be back after his unsuccessful stint at Delhi Daredevils. He will need to play a key role in the middle order.
Ben Stokes
The English international had been quite exceptional last season for Rising Pune Super Giant as he played an active role with both bat and ball. He has garnered attention in the auction yet again this season and will need to play to his caliber to prove his worth.
Jos Buttler (wk)
The English wicketkeeper is known for his pinch-hitting abilities and was a hit at Mumbai Indians last season. He could weave his magic if he can get into his groove in the final overs.
Darcy Short
The southpaw had been the talk of the auction as he swindled his way in BBL last season. He would be the man to look forward, and Rajasthan Royals might use him as a floater in their batting lineup.
Jofra Archer
The young all-rounder has been one of the talking points in BBL last season as he was good both with his bat and ball. It remains to be seen, how well he can cope up with the pressure of playing in front of massive IPL crowds.
Stuart Binny
The veteran all-rounder who is in the fag end of the career could once again rejuvenate Rajasthan Royals this season. His experience makes him an asset and a valuable fifth or sixth bowling option, and he is good to hit a couple of sixes on any given day.
Dhawal Kulkarni
Kulkarni has always been a reliable option and already had the experience in playing for Rajasthan. He would be an influential factor in their bowling department.
Jaydev Unadkat
Unadkat had grown into one of the finest death overs bowlers in IPL. But his mostly lies in his predictability of line and length. He would be the spearhead of this bowling attack as he managed a mega bid in the auction.
Krishnappa Gowtham
The young Karnataka spinner looks to be the trump card in Rajasthan’s bowling lineup. However, not many trump cards have succeeded in IPL history, and we hope we can find another quality spinner for India in Gowtham.