IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis – Rajasthan Royals aim new high with new captain
With a new captain, new spirit and a new jersey, the Rajasthan Royals side will be entering IPL 2021 with high hopes. The franchise hasn’t won a single IPL edition since lifting the title in the inaugural season, way back in 2008. Royals finished last on the points table in the previous season and managed to win just six out of their 14 games. They also released their skipper from the 2020 edition, Steve Smith, and asked Sanju Samson to don the skipper’s hat. Samson has been pivotal for them since 2013 when he joined the Rajasthan Royals set-up. Here’s the SWOT analysis for the Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2021 edition of the IPL.
Strengths
Looking at the Rajasthan Royals squad for IPL 2021, one can’t help but notice the number of destructive batsmen who are available in their arsenal. Jos Buttler and Samson will surely hold the key at the top of the order, making sure they can score quick runs and take advantage of the Powerplay overs. Apart from this, they have a bunch of all-rounders who are competent in both disciplines. They have added Shivam Dube and Chris Morris to their squad, who are destructive with the bat and these two players can strengthen the bowling department as well.
Royals also have arguably the world’s best all-rounder, Ben Stokes. Riyan Parag, Rahul Tewatia and Shreyas Gopal are all spin-bowling all-rounders, who can play match-winning roles when the need arises. With the availability of all these multi-dimensional players, the Royals will have probably the most balanced unit in the IPL this season.
How’s this to start your weekend? ?@rahultewatia02 has arrived. ?#HallaBol | #RoyalsFamily pic.twitter.com/JogIpVU0Zp
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 3, 2021
Weakness
Even though Royals have the luxury of having multiple bowling options in their mix, their issue will be to narrow down their death bowling combinations. The addition of Chris Morris has given them a good option to fill that gap, but he won’t have the assistance of the world-class Jofra Archer for the first few matches. The inexperience of some of the Indian players is also something that will worry the Royals’ management. However, only if they can work together as a team, they will be able to turn around their luck this season.
Opportunities
There is a huge opportunity for Sanju Samson to establish himself as one of the prominent players in the league. This captaincy stint will hopefully do wonders to his career. For the franchise itself, it is a great opportunity to explore the possibility of Samson being at the helm of affairs for a long time. Apart from that, players like Jaydev Unadkat, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Chris Morris will have a platform to use all their experience and bring a title home.
Threats
As far as overseas players are concerned, the Royals would hope that Jofra Archer is back in the team as quickly as possible. Having won the award for the Most Valuable Player last season, Archer was always going to be their star performer for this season as well. Also, the lack of Indian national team regulars might also prove to be a problem for them, which is why the overseas players will have to step up for the Rajasthan outfit.
