IPL 2019: Can the Royals finally end their title drought?
They were returning to the IPL fold after 2 years of suspension, and they did it in Royal style! With some familiar faces and some new entrants, the Rajasthan Royals had a successful run in the 2018 edition. Despite then captain Steve Smith’s absence, the team put up impressive performances under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership to finish 4th on the points table. Jofra Archer’s standout contribution with the ball and Jos Buttler’s late flourish with the bat ensured the Royals had a fair shot at winning the title. But they could only go as far as the eliminator, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the end.
Dubbed as the ‘Moneyball’ team, the Shane Warne-led team unexpectedly clinched the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Typically known to unearth emerging talent, the franchise has had a decent mix of local and international players but has somehow failed to regularly feature in the Top 4 over the years. A classic case of ‘so close, yet so far’.
With a revamped pink jersey and a new team anthem titled ‘Phir se Halla Bol’, the Royals will be aiming to break their title-less rut going into the 2019 season. They even had a decent outing at this year’s auction, buying as many as 10 new players to complete the squad.
Steve Smith returns
One of the biggest talking points this year will be the return of banned Australian batsman Steve Smith, whose absence seemed to have hurt the team last season. Smith had stepped down as the Royals captain after his involvement in a ball-tampering scandal in early 2018 and was also prohibited from playing in the IPL. With the Aussie set to return to action this season, the Royals will hope his experience and batting prowess brings stability in the middle order and boosts the overall lineup.
All eyes on Jaydev Unadkat
After being picked up for a whopping amount of Rs.11.5 crore last year, Jaydev Unadkat failed to live up to the expectations of his team and had a horrid season with the ball. This year, the Royals released him and bought him back for Rs. 8.4 crore – still making him the joint most expensive player alongside Varun Chakravarthy, who went to the Kings XI Punjab. However, Unadkat is coming off a fruitful Ranji Trophy season with 39 wickets in his kitty, a fitter body and a much clever mind. Only time can tell whether the left-arm pacer manages to shed his inhibitions and go for the kill this time around. The Royals would certainly want him to lead the pace attack by example.
Ashton Turner: the ‘turning point’
A lot of people may have heard about Ashton Turner only after his match-winning heroics for Australia in the 4th ODI against India. But the Aussie pinch-hitter has been relishing his role of a finisher with the Perth Scorchers in this year’s BBL. And it’s why the Royals put their money on him in a bid to strengthen their batting, especially due to limited availability of the English players. With a sensational BBL tourney for Perth Scorchers and a fine display against India, Turner will be high on confidence and ready to fire in the IPL.
Inexperienced bowling attack
While their batting certainly packs a punch, the Royals have a slightly inexperienced and inconsistent bowling lineup. West Indies quick Oshane Thomas, who was bought for Rs. 1.10 crore is just 16 international matches old. It will be interesting to see how he delivers under the pressures of T20 cricket in a global tournament. Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni, Varun Aaron and Archer are the other pace bowlers. In the spin department, Shreyas Gopal is the first-choice wrist-spinner, while Ish Sodi is the backup. K Gowtham is the only finger spinner in the squad. Overall, the Royals somewhat lack the depth and experience required on the big stage. How they make smart use of their resources at hand is something for the Paddy Upton-led thinktank to ponder on.
Rajasthan Royals haven’t played a single IPL final ever since winning the title in 2008. Their best finish was at No.3 on the points table, and it came six years ago – in 2013. Captain Rahane will certainly have his task cut out!
