RR’s strategy is pretty straightforward and understandable, barring a couple of big names.
Among the most consistent sides in the previous cycle, Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a star-studded side with several match-winners. The mega auction is probably the worst time for them as they had a settled core with specialists who performed exceptionally well for each role.
However, they have finally pinned down their retentions and made some interesting calls ahead of the auction. While a few names are on the expected lines, RR have ignored some big names to maintain the purse.
As expected, Sanju Samson is Rajasthan Royals’ first retention and will earn INR 18 crores next season. He is among the finest batting talents in the country and will continue playing as a wicketkeeper batter while also leading the side.
He is a terrific player of pace and spin and can be flexible with his batting position. A proven IPL performer, Samson’s name at the top is unsurprising.
The finest young talent in the country, Yashasvi Jaiswal is another obvious choice and will be the second retention. A quintessential opening batter, Jaiswal can handle pace and spin adeptly and bat at different gears.
He was among their most consistent batters in the previous cycle and will also bring the LHB factor to the top, providing variety to the batting unit. He will be a long-term investment.
After years of investment, Riyan Parag finally performed according to the expectations last season, ending as RR’s leading run-scorer. Further, he can also contribute with the ball and has age on his side, making him a long-term investment.
Parag is a terrific player of pace and can take them from the first ball, whereas his spin game is also ever-improving. His investment hints at RR’s plan to retain the batting core with the future in mind.
Shimron Hetmyer is the fourth retention of Rajasthan Royals. A solid player of pace, Hetmyer can bat in the middle or lower middle-order and provide impetus to the innings in death overs.
He is a proven finisher in the league and played a crucial role in making RR successful last cycle. Hetmyer’s retention shows RR are sticking to a tried and tested formula.
Dhruv Jurel will be the fifth retention of Rajasthan Royals. He was one of their most promising batters from the previous cycle.
He can also keep the wickets and bat anywhere in the lower order. He will be a long-term investment.
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Sandeep Sharma is the only uncapped retention on RR’s list before the auction. He was a revelation in the previous two editions and emerged as an all-format pacer for the Royals.
He can bowl adeptly in the middle and death overs and remain economical without wasting an overseas slot. His auction value might be around the retention slab, so it’s wise to retain him at INR 4 crores.
| Retained Player | Price (INR) |
| Sanju Samson | 18 Crores |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 18 Crores |
| Riyan Parag | 14 Crores |
| Dhruv Jurel | 14 Crores |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 11 Crores |
| Sandeep Sharma | 4 Crores |
| Total: | 79 Crores |
| Remaining Purse: | 41 Crores |
RR’s strategy is pretty straightforward and understandable, barring a couple of big names. The two big names they have excluded are Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Regarding Jos, his recent injury issues might be one of the biggest reasons behind his exclusion, for the England Cricket Board (ECB) will be cautious with his load management once he returns. So, his availability can be an issue from the next edition.
Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal can be brought back at a lower price despite his superior skillsets. The leg-spinners who don’t bat are unlikely to fetch a massive amount, given several such players are available in the pool.
RR have no Right To Match (RTM) for their first-choice players who couldn’t find a way into the retention list. They will have to bid for each of them in order to get them back.
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