IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals SWOT Analysis
Rajasthan Royals will kick off their Indian Premier League 2023 campaign on April 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Royals enjoyed their best season during the 2022 edition since lifting the trophy in an inaugural season in 2008. They finished runners-up after all-round impressive performances under Sanju Samson’s leadership.
The franchise further strengthened their squad during the player auction with the signings of Jason Holder, Joe Root, Adam Zampa, Donovan Ferreira, Murugan Ashwin, and Sandeep Sharma.
Let’s take an analysis of the team ahead of IPL 2023:
Strength
Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin emerged as a big difference on their debut season for the Royals in IPL 2022. Chahal bagged the Purple Cap for 27 wickets while Ashwin was the economically best bowler with 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.50. Rajasthan’s spin attack is further boosted with Adam Zampa’s arrival, although the Australian is likely to spent most of his time on the bench.
Weakness
The lack of quality backup options in pace attack is likely to hurt Rajasthan’s chances again. Prasidh Krishna’s absence will be a big blow for the franchise as the Indian pacer took 19 wickets last season. Obed McCoy comes after a fresh injury while Sandeep Sharma, Prasidh’s replacement, has not played any T20 cricket this year. Jason Holder is likely to play as the fifth-choice bowler, which will clearly add more pressure on Boult and Sen.
Opportunity
Kuldeep Sen made his IPL debut during the 2022 edition and made an instant impact. The right-arm pacer impressed everyone with his pace and wicket-taking abilities. He took eight wickets from seven innings and later made his ODI debut on the Bangladesh tour in December 2022. With Prasidh Krishna ruled out due to injury, Kuldeep will be a key pacer for the Royals along with Trent Boult.
Threats
Once again, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson will be the biggest threats from the Royals camp but RR will have to ensure they do not overly rely on their returns. The duo pulled off combined 1321 runs last season with the English wicketkeeper batter winning the Orange Cap. So, Rajasthan’s season will be defined on Buttler and Samson’s performances during the IPL 2023.
