Which players will Rajasthan Royals (RR) target in IPL 2025 Auction? Possible strategy and squad analysis

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) came to within a game of contesting the final of IPL 2024 and it is not a surprise that they are only one of two sides to retain six players. With five of those retained being Indians, RR might primarily concentrate on overseas players at the mega-auction. Foreign pacers, a middle-order batter, an all-rounder and perhaps an opener will be on their bucket list.

Players Rajasthan Royals (RR) Remaining purse: Rs 41 crore; RTM slots available: 0; Available player slots: 19 (Seven overseas)

IPL 2025 Auction: Rajasthan Royals (RR) Player targets

Rovman Powell

Powell failed to sparkle for the Royals in 2024. In T20Is, though, he has regularly portrayed his range of power-hitting since 2022 – averaging almost 30 and striking at close to 150 - which suggests it may only be a matter of time before it translates into the IPL. He also captains the Barbados Royals in the CPL and with Rajasthan’s top five more or less sorted, he could be the buccaneering presence they need lower down.

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David Miller

Another player who has played for RR before and is currently a part of their sister franchises (Barbados Royals and Paarl Royals). Miller and Hetmyer batting in tandem will send shivers down any opposition’s spine and with Miller capable of batting at number four or five, it will give RR the flexibility to delay Shimron Hetmyer’s entry point.

Washington Sundar

Rajasthan Royals’ usage of R Ashwin, over the past couple of seasons, was intriguing, to say the least. He would bat as high as number three at times, or not bat at all in other games. Sundar represents a similar option and in ball-striking terms, might even be an upgrade on Ashwin. He can also operate in the powerplay and RR usually like such versatile cricketers.

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Maheesh Theekshana

With Yuzvendra Chahal no longer in the mix, RR will probably want a mystery spinner in their ranks and Theekshana could be their man. Like Powell, he plays for the Barbados Royals in the CPL and finished as the second highest-wicket taker overall in the most recent season. His IPL numbers may not be mind-boggling but through steady performances, he has proven he belongs.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Rajasthan Royals love throwing their weight behind youngsters, with Yashasvi Jaiswal’s retention (ahead of the 2022 mega-auction), when he was still a teenager, a prime example. Raghuvanshi, similarly, has bags of potential, which was on display during the Kolkata Knight Riders’ romp to the title earlier this year. He can open the innings alongside Jaiswal, and they could form an effervescent left-right combination up top.

Deepak Chahar

Due to middling form and injuries, Chahar has fallen well down the national pecking order, which might affect his demand at this auction too. That could make him a very viable option for the Rajasthan Royals. He can swing the new ball, take powerplay wickets, and contribute handy runs down the order – something new head coach Rahul Dravid may be particularly interested in.

Trent Boult

RR had an embarrassment of riches when it came to retentions, and Boult was one of those unlucky to miss out. That, however, does not mean they won’t come back in for him. His quality is unquestionable and while he may prove costly at the auction, RR can set aside a significant purse to re-acquire him, given their batting resources.

Players Rajasthan Royals (RR) Auction Strategy

Rajasthan Royals only have Rs 41 crore to work with, which makes things slightly tedious. But with the players they have retained, they can focus on specific skill sets. Considering the batting firepower already at their disposal, they might splurge on overseas pacers, eyeing at least one high-quality quick.

They will have a glut of foreign middle-order batters to choose from, and a vast uncapped Indian talent pool they can tap into, helped by their extensive scouting network. RR, like all franchises, will be active at the auction, although they will probably spend big only on the players that really fit their team.