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2008 champions Rajasthan Royals had yet another disappointing journey in the last season as they finished their journey at the second last spot of the points table. They were able to win only 5 matches out of 14 matches. Except for the skipper Sanju Samson, other teammates never looked in control throughout the season. The team management wants to forget this season and will enter the auction room looking forward. Let’s take a look at Rajasthan Royals IPL 2022 Mega Auction strategy.
Retained players:
Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Purse Amount deducted: 28 crores
Purse Amount left: 62 crores
Role of Retained Players
Sanju Samson (Captain, Wicketkeeper)
Jos Buttler (Opener, Wicketkeeper)
Yashasvi Jaiswal (Opener)
Number of Slots available: 22
Number of Overseas Slots available: 7
What will RR look for in mega auctions?
The Royals have more than one department to cover up in the mega auctions. A hefty purse of 62 crores thus becomes an advantage for the franchise in comparison to CSK, KKR or Mumbai Indians who have 48 crores each heading into the auction. They should look to bid high for players who can win matches on their own.
Players who will be on RR's Radar
1. Harshal Patel: Harshal picked up 32 wickets in the last edition of the IPL. Harshal Patel also had a hattrick to his name and won the Purple Cap in IPL 2022. RR need a bowler like him to make the team balanced especially after the likes of Jaydev Unadakat not being able to live up to the teams' expectation. He can also provide those crucial 15-20 runs with the bat when required.
2. Trent Boult: An overseas bowler who is capable of producing wickets in the power play could be another name that might be on their minds. The left-arm swing bowler has the ability to move the ball which will be crucial during the early stages of the innings. The Kiwi pacer could well be a hot pick in the auction and one can expect Rajasthan to bid high for him as they have a lot of money left in their purse as compared to other teams like MI, KKR and CSK.
3. Lockie Ferguson: Since RR has retained all three batsmen they will be in search of many bowlers in which Lockie Ferguson’s name should definitely feature. Another pacer from New Zealand, Ferguson can hit the 150kmph with ease and grace. The 30-year-old usually doesn’t concede a lot of runs and builds pressure on the opposition which often results in them going for a big shot and losing their wicket.