Rajasthan Royals have been quietly consistent, but with overseas stars expected to be available for only part of the tournament ahead of the World Cup, they might have trouble finding balance.
Rajasthan Royals profile
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
Home ground: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Owner: Manoj Badale
Past Results: 2018: Play-offs (4th); 2017: Suspended; 2016: Suspended; 2015: Play-offs (4th); 2014: 5th; 2013: Play-offs (3rd); 2012: 7th; 2011: 6th; 2010: 7th; 2009: 6th; 2008: Champions
IPL titles: 1 (2008)
Here’s our favourite memory. ?? #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/WqCAJcLQ7r
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 25, 2019
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The lowdown
Rajasthan Royals, the winners of the inaugural edition of the IPL, have been a quietly consistent unit over the years. While they have been unable to clinch ultimate glory since that first season, the Royals have been in and around the play-off spots.
They focused on getting more domestic talent, signing up youngsters like Shashank Singh, Riyan Parag and Shubham Ranjane. Vohra, who has had a decent career in the IPL so far, will be a valuable addition to the Royals’ top order.
Varun Aaron, Oshane Thomas, Ashton Turner and Liam Livingstone were their other buys.
📢 Announcement 📢
Sawai Mansingh Stadium mein karenge hum apni 💗 kahaani ki shuruaat!
The 1st phase of the #IPL2019 fixtures have been announced & we begin our challenge against Kings XI Punjab on 25th March 👑🙌 #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/p62XFYHcuP
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 19, 2019
Key Indian player: Ajinkya Rahane
Buttler’s extraordinary run with the bat in the latter stages of the 2018 edition, where he made five straight half-centuries, was key to the Royals making the play-offs. Despite being available for just a part of the tournament, Buttler’s exploits at the top of the order will be crucial.
Squad
Ajinkya Rahane, K Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Manan Vohra, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, S. Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jos Buttler, Ashton Turner, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron, Oshane Thomas, Ish Sodhi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror, Shashank Singh, Riyan Parag, Shubham Ranjane.
Prediction
On paper, the Royals’ predicted playing XI looks formidable. However, their squad depth, or lack thereof, might be a genuine cause of concern, more so after the big names leave in the latter stages of the tournament, and they might struggle to make the play-offs. If, however, they find right XI and unearth the best from lesser-known names, they might stand a chance of a top-four finish.
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