The Rajasthan Royals (RR), one of the most exciting teams in Indian Premier League (IPL) history, are preparing for the 2025 mega auction with a clear focus on addressing gaps that cost them the title in previous seasons. Under Sanju Samson‘s capable leadership and the tactical brilliance of their newly appointed head coach, Rahul Dravid, the Royals aim to find the perfect balance in their squad. Having retained six players and spent INR 79 crores, RR enters the auction with INR 41 crores left to fill key positions and rebuild their team.
Retentions and key releases: Rajasthan Royals
RR has retained their captain Sanju Samson and emerging star Yashasvi Jaiswal, ensuring they hold on to their core batting lineup. However, their decision to release marquee players like Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal has been surprising. While Buttler has been an explosive match-winner at the top of the order, Chahal’s leg-spin played a pivotal role in their middle-over dominance.
Additionally, RR could not retain other stalwarts such as Trent Boult and Ravichandran Ashwin due to budget constraints and strategic restructuring. The absence of the Right-to-Match (RTM) card further limits their ability to re-sign key players, compelling them to participate in bidding wars during the auction.
Auction purse and challenges
With INR 41 crores remaining, RR have the smallest purse among all franchises. This financial limitation makes their auction strategy critical. They must carefully prioritize their spending to secure high-impact players while maintaining enough funds for essential additions across all departments. Given the competition for marquee players like Arshdeep Singh and Liam Livingstone, RR will need to be pragmatic in their bidding. Retaining a balance between experienced performers and emerging talents will be key to rebuilding their squad effectively.
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IPL 2025: 5 players Rajasthan Royals (RR) can target in the mega auction
1. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep has been one of the standout performers for India in T20 cricket. His left-arm pace, coupled with pinpoint accuracy in death overs, makes him a highly sought-after bowler.
- Why RR Needs Him: With Sandeep Sharma being their only retained pacer, RR lacks depth in their bowling attack. Arshdeep can lead the pace unit, providing crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay and maintaining control in the death overs.
- Challenges: As a marquee player, Arshdeep will attract aggressive bids from multiple teams. RR’s limited purse might make it difficult to acquire him, but his match-winning potential makes him worth the gamble.
2. Trent Boult
Boult’s contributions to RR over the past three seasons were immense, with 59 wickets to his name. His ability to swing the new ball and deliver crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay was a game-changer for the team.
- Why RR Needs Him Back: Boult’s familiarity with the Royals’ setup and his proven track record make him an ideal candidate to spearhead the bowling attack once again.
- Budget Considerations: While Boult is expected to command a high price, RR may strategically bid for him early in the auction to secure their bowling foundation.
3. Liam Livingstone
Livingstone is a dynamic all-rounder who can turn games with his explosive batting and part-time spin. Despite a lean IPL 2024 with Punjab Kings (PBKS), Livingstone has shown his ability to adapt and excel under pressure.
- Why RR Needs Him: His presence can bolster the middle order, providing firepower and stability. Additionally, his leg-spin and off-spin options add flexibility to the bowling lineup.
- Potential Auction Value: Livingstone’s dip in form might make him more affordable, offering RR an opportunity to secure a proven performer at a reasonable price.
4. Washington Sundar
Washington has evolved into a dependable all-rounder, excelling with both bat and ball in T20 cricket. His ability to bowl economical spells in the powerplay and contribute valuable runs down the order makes him a valuable asset.
- Why RR Needs Him: Sundar can slot in as a versatile option at number eight, strengthening both the batting depth and spin department. His recent performances for India underscore his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches.
- Competition: Sundar is likely to attract interest from multiple teams, but RR’s focused approach could make him a cornerstone of their revamped lineup.
5. Venkatesh Iyer
Iyer offers a unique combination of top-order batting and medium-pace bowling. While he had quieter seasons recently, his potential to perform under pressure remains undeniable.
- Why RR Needs Him: Iyer’s ability to adapt to various roles makes him a flexible option. He can open the innings, provide stability in the middle order, or bowl a couple of overs when needed.
- Value for Money: With age on his side and recent playoff experience with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Iyer is an affordable yet impactful addition.