Courtesy: BCCI/IPL
The Rajasthan Royals are a menace on their day and often easily overcome when their opponents spoil their plans. But then you might argue isn’t that the case with most other IPL teams. Not quite, is it? The Chennai Superkings have been a cornerstone of tactical genius, alas back in the day. Today, made fun of, by some, as “dad’s army”, a borderline insulting term perceptibly coined to suggest they are a group of “have been” formidable cricketers, CSK won with a fantastic combination of brain and heart. Talent, of course but that’s a given. Needless to say, the Rajasthan Royals have bustling talent and perhaps its playing akin to close knit unit that can save the day for them and take them to glories they most certainly deserve to achieve.
They’ve got a great skipper in Sanju Samson and a collection of able, match-winning talents that can change the context of a game on any day. Think Dhruv Jurel when it comes to steadying a tricky batting inning . Forget not Hasaranga and the cleverness with which he contends. Then their is a commanding authority with the bat called Sanju Samson who leads by an example. That being told, who are the key players who could with all certainty can and should stay back to make the team realise its “Halla Bol” ethos. Without Rajathan triumphing, the IPL seems dry and jaded much like skin that needs attention during arid conditions and changing weather.
Jofra Archer
He can bowl short and at consistent pace and take batters by a surprise. It’s been 52 IPL contests, Archer, who could definitely be among the players that will be retained needs to perhaps watch his fitness levels. Not that he isn’t fit at the moment but being susceptible to injuries doesn’t help anyone- does it?
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Actually, Yashasvi Jaiswal couldn't, but that he must stay back with the Rajasthan Royals in what lies ahead at the 2026 IPL season.
The attacking batter with 2166 IPL runs (as on date), can turn the fate of a collapsing inning by simply being himself at one end. And that’s fearless in mindset and fluid with the bat. He can pull with power, without needing monstrous energy and can beautify the game by extending his footwork as only a charismatic lover of runs can. Jaiswal is to RR what an early morning, nicely made cup of tea is to the inveterate tea lover.
His glorious century on April 30, 2023, at the home Mumbai Indians’s turf meant something special. How? His first ever ton for RR in the IPL (and at Wankhede) symbolised the young dreamer doing what he always desired at the ground he dreamt of scoring a ton as a kid. And was a firm reminder that those who dream, achieve it even though it comes across as a dagger through the heart. Mumbai Indians ended up winning that game but Jaiswal lived his dream.
Shimron Hetmyer
The sentimental favourite of West Indies cricket, the talented Guynanese with brilliant potnetial and yet, someone who perhaps still hasn't done justice to what he is blessed with, is a royal of Rajasthan. But are Hetmyer, soon-to-be 29, still a royal batter where form is concerned.
Truth is, given the firepower he brings from lower down the order, he can-and could likely- be retained by the RR side but here are his numbers from the last season that beckon everyone's attention:
13 innings- 239 runs- batting average of 21
FAQs
What is Jofra Archer's IPL record?
From 52 IPL matches, he has taken 59 wickets and has been playing in the IPL since 2022.
Who is the current captain of the Rajasthan Royals side in the IPL?
Sanju Samson is the current captain of the Rajasthan Royals side in the Indian Premier League. He has scored 4704 runs from 176 matches. The Kerala-batter, captaining Rajasthan with fans all around India has been playing in the IPL since 2014.
