SRH vs RR. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Rajasthan Royals qualified twice for the IPL playoffs in the last three years. The Sanju Samson-led side played the final in 2022 but lost to Gujarat Titans in the summit clash. The team management was quite strategic in building their squad in the last mega-auction as they built a unit with the right blend of youth and experience.
They kept their trust in Jos Buttler and put their money on Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had a sensational run, emerging as one of the next big Indian talents. The likes of Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yuzvendra Chahal and Trent Boult have done a commendable job as well, which makes it difficult for Rajasthan ahead of the mega-auction.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to finalise the rules regarding the number of retentions and usage of the RTM cards in the coming mega auction. However, it is unlikely to help a team retain more than five or six players. In short, Rajasthan will have to let go of many of their main team players. Who can that be? Let’s figure out:
3. Ravichandran Ashwin
Rajasthan Royals are likely to part ways with veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. The franchise bought him for INR 5 crore in the auction and he has played 45 games for the team and has picked up 35 wickets. Even with the bat, Ashwin played some vital knocks which has helped Rajasthan get over the line.
Given his age, Rajasthan may look for other options in the auction. The franchise and the management share an excellent relationship with Ashwin and may even sign him as a mentor or bowling coach in the future but right now, it looks difficult, especially when they are expected to retain Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been Rajasthan’s biggest asset with the ball.
Ashwin has played 212 matches in the IPL and has picked up 180 wickets at an economy of 7.12. He can bowl in different phases of the game and it won’t be surprising if Rajasthan attempt to buy the Chennai-born cricketer in the auction.
2. Prasidh Krishna
Rajasthan Royals bought Prasidh Krishna for INR 10 crore but he has spent two years out with injury. He was a valuable player in the 2022 edition, picking 19 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 8.28. However, his fitness has been an issue since, leading him to miss several key tournaments.
Keeping an eye on his poor fitness level, Rajasthan are likely to part ways with the pacer, since they will have plenty of options to choose from in the mega auction. Prasidh is currently training at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and is yet to regain full fitness. He will also miss the upcoming Duleep Trophy.
1. Shimron Hetmyer
West Indies international Shimron Hetmyer is a force to reckon with in the shortest format of the game. However, the franchise will be forced to release him as it is unlikely that BCCI will allow each team to retain more than two foreign players. Their first choice in that case will be Jos Buttler, while the second one is likely to be Trent Boult.
Hetmyer was bought for INR 7.75 crore and has played 41 matches for the Royals, scoring 726 runs. He was incredibly effective for the team in the middle-overs, which is why Rajasthan can try using their Right to Match card to get him back. However, BCCI is yet to clear their stance on the usage of the RTM cards in the coming auction.
His current form is also a matter of concern. Recently, Hetmyer featured in The Hundred where he scored 126 runs in eight matches at a poor strike rate of 109.56.