The first-ever IPL champions Rajasthan Royals are all ready for their 16th edition of the IPL season and Sanju Samson will continue to lead the side. Rajasthan Royals had a stunning season last year as they managed to reach the finals of the tournament against Gujarat Titans. Though they failed to win the title, they will try to finish the incomplete task this year to become a multiple-time champion like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Less than a week is now remaining to start the IPL 2023, and the Rajasthan Royals will start their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2nd, Sunday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.
The Sanju Samson-led side was outstanding in the last season to reach the finals of the tournament but failed to bag the title. Hence, this season, the franchise made some key additions to the squad to strengthen the team more in batting and bowling.
Rajasthan Royals completed their full squad strength of 25 players in the mini-auction after buying 9 players. Rajasthan spent almost INR 9.85 crores to fill the squad. The biggest buy for the side was the West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder with an auction price of INR 5.75 crores. Also, they send INR 1.5 crores to buy the Australian spinner Adam Zampa. England batter Joe Root and South African wicket-keeper batsman Donovan Ferreira are also part of the RR team now.
A big setback to the team now is the injured Prasidh Krishna. He has been ruled out of the IPL 2023 due to the surgery he wants to undergo due to the injury. However, the squad is enough to create the void created by the Karnataka pacer. Now, Let’s take a look at the best players of the RR squad.
- Sanju Samson
The wicket-keeper batter Sanju Samson is the captain of the side who plays at No.4. Made his IPL debut in 2013, Sanju has played over 138 matches in the tournament and has scored 3526 runs with an average of 29.14. this includes 3 centuries and 17 half-centuries. In the 2023 auction, RR auctioned Sanju for INR 14 Cr. Sanju has proved his strength as a captain in the last season itself and he will be the best addition to the team this time.
- Devdutt Padikkal
The left-handed batter has made his IPL debut in 2020 for Royal Challengers Bangalore and played almost 46 matches to date in his IPL career. In the IPL 2023 auction, Rajasthan Royals acquired him for INR 7.75 crores. With an average of 28, Padikkal has scored 1260 runs which include a century and 7 half-centuries. His highest score in IPL is 101*.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
The former Indian Under-19 player Yashasvi Jaiswal is now in red-hot form in domestic cricket claiming many runs. He may continue the same in RR also.
- Jos Buttler
England ODI captain Jos Buttler was the leading run-scorer in IPL 2022. In the 17 matches played last year, he scored 863 runs including 4 centuries. his highest IPL score to date is 124 runs.
- Shimron Hetmyer
The West Indies left-handed batter Shimron Hetmyer is famous for his power-hitting. He will be the best addition in the RR middle order, capable of scoring runs at a quick pace.
Now, let’s take a look at the complete list of the Rajasthan Royals.
Retained Players of Rajasthan Royals
Sanju Samson ©, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Prasidh Krishna, Riyan Perg, Trent Boult, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, Kuldip Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, KC Cariappa.
The players bought in the mini-auction
Jason Holder (Rs 5.75 crore), Adam Zampa (Rs 1.5 crore), Joe Root (Rs 1 crore), Donovan Ferreira (Rs 50 lakh), Murugan Ashwin (Rs 20 lakh), Abdul PA (Rs 20 lakh), KM Asif (Rs 30 lakh), Akash Vashisht (Rs 20 lakh), Kunal Rathore (Rs 20 lakh).
