IPL 2025 Auction: 3 players Rajasthan Royals might target

Rajasthan Royals have been an average team in the last decade but in 2022, they built a very strong core and eventually went on to play the final. They lost the summit clash to the Gujarat Titans but were lauded for a very impressive season. In 2023 and 2024, they produced several good performances and were unbeaten for the longest time in the last edition. However, they eventually failed to qualify for the playoffs.

The Sanju Samson-led side has crumbled in pressure situations and that is one thing that the team management needs to think about. Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour have joined the set-up and they will play a key part in deciding which direction the team should go in. The inaugural champions have retained Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimran Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma, and here are three players they can target in the auction:

3. Khaleel Ahmed

Khaleel Ahmed has done a commendable job for Delhi Capitals in the 2024 edition. The 26-year-old picked up 17 wickets in 14 games and went on to play for the national team as well. Now, Rajasthan has released their left-arm seamer Trent Boult and Khaleel can be a good fit. He can bowl with the new ball and is also effective in the death.

2. Wanindu Hasaranga

Since there is enough Indian talent in the batting unit, Rajasthan can spend heavily on overseas bowling. Wanindu Hasaranga can be one of the options they might consider. The Sri Lanka international is quite effective in T20 cricket and can bat well, too, which might attract Rajasthan’s interest.

1. Nitish Rana

They might also look at someone like Nitish Rana to complete the batting unit. Samson can open the batting alongside Jaiswal and Riyan Parag can bat at four, Jurel at five, and Hetmyer at six. The number three spot is empty, which could belong to Rana. He has been sensational in the IPL, scoring 2636 runs in 107 appearances. He is consistent and will give the balance and some spin bowling.