The Rajasthan Royals (RR) began IPL 2025 in precarious fashion by losing their initial two matches and sending fans and cricket analysts into panic. Their strategy during the auctions and overall team composition are being questioned.
In their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RR’s bowling attack had a nightmare outing, conceding an astonishing 286 runs—the second-largest total in IPL history. Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, signed for ₹2 crore, was unable to make an impact, while England’s Jofra Archer, re-signed for ₹12.5 crore, performed even poorer. He conceded 76 runs without taking a single wicket, setting an unwanted record for most costly bowling figures in IPL history.
They did not improve much in their next game against Kolkata Knight Riders. RR’s batting lineup was lacking against the spin of Moeen Ali, with the English all-rounder taking 2 wickets for just 23 runs. With key players like captain Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag in the lineup, its batting depth appears to be a vulnerability.
Cynics are already questioning RR’s auction decisions, particularly their lavish expenditure on overseas bowlers. Wanindu Hasaranga (₹5.25 crore) and Maheesh Theekshana (₹4.4 crore) have not been able to make their mark yet. The decision to select 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹1.1 crore is also raising eyebrows—not for his promise, but because it is being questioned if he can deliver immediately.
Head coach Rahul Dravid stressed stability by retaining a core group of players. However, with two early losses, it’s clear that RR needs to re-evaluate the balance of established international big guns and home-grown young Indian talent.
While the side gears for the rest of the matches, pressure is mounting on the management to alter their strategy and sort out the show before time gets away from them.
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