Rajasthan Royals had a season filled with ups and downs in IPL 2024. They started impressively, winning their first four matches, which propelled them to the top of the points table. Their momentum was briefly disrupted by a loss to the Gujarat Titans, but they bounced back strongly with four consecutive victories. However, their campaign took a sharp turn as they suffered four straight defeats towards the end of the league stage. Despite these setbacks, their excellent net run rate ensured a place in the playoffs. Yet, the season revealed glaring weaknesses in both their batting and bowling departments.
Rajasthan’s batting struggled, particularly during the powerplay. Their average of 49.33 in this phase ranked as the third worst among all teams. The primary reason was the inconsistent performances of the opening pair, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler. Across 14 matches, the duo managed opening partnerships exceeding 50 runs only three times. Buttler, a player known for his ability to dominate pace bowlers, had a disappointing season. His average dropped to 39.89, with a strike rate of 140.78, highlighting his struggles compared to his usual standards. Jaiswal, while showing flashes of brilliance, failed to provide the consistency needed at the top.
Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag were key contributors in the middle order, helping Rajasthan post competitive totals in many games. Samson had an impressive season, averaging 48.27 with a strike rate of 153.47, while Parag averaged 52.09 and struck at 149.22. Their contributions were critical in the middle overs, where the team registered an impressive batting average of 93. Shimron Hetmyer also played a significant role, maintaining a strike rate of 163.77 and delivering impactful performances. However, the team’s struggles were evident in the death overs. Rovman Powell endured a poor campaign, managing just 103 runs at an average of 17.17. His inability to finish games consistently left Rajasthan short in several matches. Dhruv Jurel, another middle-order batter, also had an underwhelming season, averaging 24.38 with a strike rate of 138.30—a noticeable drop from his 2023 strike rate of 172. Despite occasional cameos, Jurel’s performances lacked the impact needed for a finisher in T20 cricket.
In contrast to their batting, Rajasthan’s bowling displayed more promise, especially in the powerplay. With a bowling average of 50.8, they topped the charts in this phase. The opening pair of Trent Boult and Nandre Burger was instrumental in this success. Boult had an excellent season, claiming 16 wickets with an economy rate of 8.31. His ability to swing the new ball and maintain a tight line made him a standout performer, as evidenced by his powerplay economy of 7.03, the second-best of the season. Burger, though less prolific, contributed seven wickets with an economy of 8.53, forming a reliable partnership with Boult. Their accuracy and control in the powerplay often set the tone for Rajasthan’s bowling efforts.
Middle overs
In the middle overs, Rajasthan relied heavily on their spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin, along with pacers Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma. However, the middle-over economy of 8.93 and an average of 98.27 highlighted some inconsistencies. Ashwin had a below-par season, taking just nine wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 8.49 and an average of 51.88. Chahal, despite being an IPL stalwart, also struggled, finishing with an average of 30.33 and an economy of 9.41. Among the bowlers in this phase, Sandeep Sharma stood out with an economy of 7.06, the second-best of the season in the middle overs.
Death overs
Rajasthan’s death bowling was a mixed bag. Their average of 62 in this phase was the second-best of the season, largely due to Sandeep Sharma’s impressive performances. Sharma displayed exceptional control, particularly in the final overs, and was pivotal in keeping the opposition’s scoring in check. Avesh Khan also contributed effectively, recording the fourth-best death-over economy rate of 9.07. Despite these positives, the lack of consistent support from other bowlers in crunch moments exposed Rajasthan’s bowling depth.
What Jaipur offer RR?
In Jaipur, the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals enjoyed a strong run at their home ground. Out of the five matches they played at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, they emerged victorious in four. Renowned for being a batsman-friendly surface, the pitch proved to be a boon for Rajasthan’s top-order batters. Sanju Samson delivered exceptional performances on this ground, averaging 136 with a strike rate of 156, including three half-centuries. Riyan Parag also thrived in Jaipur, averaging 69 with an impressive strike rate of 164.30, highlighted by two half-centuries. The bowlers delivered steady performances on the Jaipur track, with the standout moment being Sandeep Sharma’s spectacular five-wicket haul against the Mumbai Indians, which was one of the season’s highlights for the team.
The spotlight now shifts to Rajasthan Royals’ retentions for the upcoming IPL season. The franchise has retained six key players, albeit with no Right to Match (RTM) cards remaining. Unsurprisingly, Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal headline the list, as both have been pivotal to the team’s success and remain highly dependable. Yashasvi Jaiswal has cemented his place as a proven performer for both Rajasthan and the Indian team. With a massive brand value and a style perfectly aligned with modern IPL trends, he has become indispensable. In IPL 2024, he averaged 101 and struck at 171 against spin, showcasing his dominance in tricky matchups. Since 2022, he has boasted the fourth-best powerplay strike rate (158.87), paired with an average of 42.89, underlining his consistency as a top-order batsman. Sanju Samson, one of the IPL’s more successful captains, has steered Rajasthan to a runners-up finish in 2022 and a playoff berth in 2024. As a batter, Samson has been remarkably consistent, with three 450+ run seasons in the last four years. His average against spin since 2022 is an impressive 90.50, accompanied by a strike rate of 139.23. In 2024, he notched his career-best strike rate of 153.46, with five half-centuries to his name, reaffirming his value as a middle-order enforcer. Riyan Parag was another key retention, thanks to his standout batting performances last season. Emerging as Rajasthan’s highest run-scorer in 2024, Parag amassed 573 runs at an average of 52 and a strike rate of 150. His ability to stabilise innings and accelerate when needed makes him a crucial asset. Dhruv Jurel also finds himself on the retention list, although his performances last season left room for improvement. His strike rate dipped from an impressive 172 in 2023 to 138 in 2024, and his career T20 average is a modest 21.19. Despite this, Rajasthan seems confident in his potential as a young middle-order batter who can deliver in the long term. Perhaps the most surprising retention is Shimron Hetmyer. Known for his power-hitting, Hetmyer struggled to finish games last season, raising questions about his effectiveness in crucial moments. His strike rate before the 16th over in the IPL is a concerning 106.2, while his career T20 average mirrors Jurel’s at 21.19. However, Rajasthan appears willing to back his experience and potential to regain form. Rounding off the list is Sandeep Sharma, whose retention was well-justified. A reliable bowler in both the powerplay and death overs, Sandeep’s ability to deliver pinpoint accuracy makes him an asset to the Royals’ bowling attack. His contributions with the ball, particularly in high-pressure situations, underline his importance to the team’s forward strategy.
What does RR have and what are the requirements?
With no RTM card available, Rajasthan Royals enter the mega auction with a budget of ₹41 crore and a pressing need to strengthen their bowling department. A balanced mix of overseas pacers and spinners is crucial to turning games in critical moments.
For overseas pacers, Rajasthan could consider Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Jofra Archer, or Kagiso Rabada—proven match-winners offering varied skills. Left-arm pacers, particularly effective on the Sawai Mansingh Stadium pitch, could be game-changers. Mustafizur Rahman, known for his deceptive cutters, is an excellent option for Jaipur. Among others, Hazlewood stands out for his ability to swing the new ball and maintain precision in the middle overs, making him a dependable addition.
In the spin department, Rajasthan could target Afghanistan’s Allah Ghazanfar, who brings a diverse range of variations and is effective against both left- and right-handers. His ability to clear the boundary with the bat adds to his value. Another strong option is Adam Zampa, a proven middle-over wicket-taker. Despite his unavailability last season, Rajasthan might consider re-signing him if he enters the auction. A domestic option is Manimaran Siddharth, a budget-friendly spinner known for his consistent stump-to-stump lines, offering support to frontline bowlers.
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