For Rajasthan Royals, talent development isn’t just a strategy — it’s part of its DNA. The franchise has long been known for backing young and lesser-known players, turning them into impact performers on the IPL stage.
The rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and now Vaibhav Suryavanshi is just the latest chapter in this legacy. But how does a team balance nurturing talent with the relentless pressure to deliver results in a high-stakes tournament like the IPL?
Rahul Dravid, former India coach and now the Royals’ head coach, explains that it all stems from the franchise’s philosophy. “Since the early years, we have always tried to identify and develop — not necessarily just young talent — but those who are probably not as recognised,” he says in an exclusive interview with Sportstar.
He points to Pravin Tambe, a leg-spinner who made his IPL debut at the age of 41, as a prime example. “I wouldn’t call Pravin Tambe young, right? He was someone who got into the franchise. ‘Young’ is, of course, just one operative word, but it’s about identifying talent that has probably not been seen by many.”
Beyond just scouting, the Royals put significant effort into player development, ensuring that promising cricketers receive the right guidance and opportunities. But their commitment doesn’t stop at the playing field. “A large part of the franchise’s mission is not only to develop talent on the cricket field but also beyond it,” Dravid adds.
This ethos extends into other aspects of the organisation. “Even when you look at our marketing, sales, media, and digital teams, many of them are filled with young talent that has gone on to make a difference,” he explains. “You often bump into people outside cricketing circles who started here and are now part of other leagues or teams, having progressed in their careers.”
At the core of this philosophy is Royals’ lead owner, Manoj Badale. “Manoj has always been clear about this. A key part of Rajasthan Royals’ ethos is to grow cricketers, but also to grow people — not just within cricket but across the organization. It’s deeply embedded in our DNA,” Dravid says.
While other franchises are also investing in youth development, the Royals take pride in having done it consistently over the years. Their retention strategy reflects this commitment. “That’s something we’d like to believe differentiates us from some other franchises. Of course, other teams are also trying to do the same, which is great for the league. But it remains an important part of the Royals’ philosophy,” Dravid emphasises.