IPL 2025 Auction: Rajasthan Royals squad analysis

Rajasthan Royals spent heavily on their retention ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. Spending heavily on Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson was understandable but re-signing Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag for INR 14 crore each left them with a limited purse. For the same reason, the 2008 champions lost multiple bidding wars in the auction. They made some good signings but could not focus on getting proper backups.

The bowling core looks good with the additions of Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. Nitish Rana was also a brilliant pick for INR 4.2 crore. Overall, their squad looks ready for all challenges but they have an X-Factor missing. They also did not sign any opener. In case Jaiswal and Sanju Samson are out injured, they do not have an option. Further, Archer and Hasaranga have injury concerns as well.

Overall, they have a decent playing XI but the openers will have the main responsibility to deliver with the bat. Parag will need to show maturity and Jurel will have to come out of the shell and prove his value in the shortest format, especially after bagging a massive contract.

Current squad strength: 20

Indian players: 14

Overseas players: 6

Retained players (6): Yashasvi Jaiswal (18 Cr), Sanju Samson (18 Cr), Dhruv Jurel (14 Cr), Riyan Parag (14 Cr), Shimron Hetmyer (11 Cr) Sandeep Sharma (4 Cr)

Players bought in the auction (5): Jofra Archer (12.5 Cr), Tushar Deshpande (6.50 Cr), Wanindu Hasaranga (5.25 Cr), Maheesh Theekshana (4.40 Cr), Nitish Rana (4.20 Crore), Fazalhaq Farooqi (2 Cr) Kwena Maphaka (1.50 Cr), Akash Madhwal (1.20 Cr), Vaibhav Suryavanshi (1.1 Cr), Shubham Dubey (80L), Yudhvir Singh Charak (35L), Kumar Kartikeya (30L), Kunal Singh Rathore (30L), Ashok Sharma (30L)