Captain: Sanju Samson
Coach: Rahul Dravid
Home Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur / Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Best Finish: Champions (2008)
Last Season: Third
Key Stats
1. PowerPlay Dominance at Risk
8.08 – Rajasthan Royals’ economy rate in the PowerPlay since 2023, the best among all teams.
RR has thrived with the ball in the first six overs, thanks to Trent Boult’s impact. However, with Boult not retained, the team will look to Jofra Archer, who boasts a stellar 5.74 economy rate in the PowerPlay, to maintain this edge.
2. Top-Order Firepower Against Pace
159.16 – The combined strike rate of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag against pace in IPL 2024.
RR’s batting success hinges on these three, especially with Jos Buttler no longer in the mix. All three ranked in the top 10 for highest strike rates against seamers last season, with Riyan Parag leading at 163.47. Strong starts will be key for Rajasthan in IPL 2025.
3. Hetmyer’s Struggles vs Spin
14.33 – Shimron Hetmyer’s batting average against spin in the IPL since 2023.
Despite being a lethal finisher, Hetmyer has struggled against spinners, managing just 8 runs in 17 balls against them last season. Rajasthan, which often loses momentum in the middle overs, will need him to step up and overcome this vulnerability.
Predicted Playing XI
Top Order
– Sanju Samson
– Yashasvi Jaiswal
– Riyan Parag
Middle Order & All-Rounders
– Shimron Hetmyer
– Dhruv Jurel
– Nitish Rana
– Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers
– Jofra Archer
– Sandeep Sharma
– Maheesh Theekshana
– Akash Madhwal
Impact Player: Shubham Dubey / Tushar Deshpande
Final Thoughts
With a top-heavy batting lineup and a reshaped PowerPlay attack, RR’s ability to adapt will define its season. Can the team overcome key departures and push for a title run?