Rajasthan Royals will be led by a new captain in Sanju Samson for IPL 2021 but they have been weakened by the absence of Jofra Archer.
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Even before the start of IPL 2021, Rajasthan Royals were in the news in a big way. During the auction, it was Rajasthan Royals that took Chris Morris for a record Rs 16.25 crore, making him the most expensive buy ever. Before that, it was announced that Sanju Samson would lead the side after Steve Smith was released. There is a massive amount of cricket even in the backroom organization, with Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara heading the cricket operations. Rajasthan Royals have been making the right notes so far, but in the quest for glory in IPL 2021, they will have to work very hard.
Ever since their title in 2008, Rajasthan Royals have woefully underachieved. In the aftermath of the spot-fixing ban for two years, The Royals made a solid return by reaching the Eliminator. However, in IPL 2020, they finished at the bottom of the table. Rajasthan Royals are dealing with injury blows ahead of IPL 2021. If Rajasthan Royals need to secure glory, they have to utilize their resources incredibly well.
Solid batting: The likes of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson make for a formidable top order. Stokes has been the glue in the batting order while the combination of Samson and Buttler can tear any opposition apart if they get their eye in. With Rahul Tewatia, Shivam Dube and David Miller, Rajasthan Royals are sorted on their batting.
Fresh leadership: Samson as the head of Rajasthan Royals might prompt a bold and fearless outlook. Under the captaincy of Smith and Ajinkya Rahane in the past, Rajasthan Royals were perhaps hamstrung by a conservative approach. That might all change in IPL 2021.
Absence of Archer: Losing their gun bowler for at least the first half of IPL 2021 is a major blow. Archer could bowl brilliantly in the powerplay, utilize the variations and yorkers in the death overs and take wickets. Archer has been the leader of the attack and losing him is a huge blow.
Lack of proper back-up spinners: Shreyas Gopal is the only class spinner that Rajasthan Royals possess. The lack of a proper experienced back-up spinner might hurt Rajasthan Royals on pitches that assist spin. Perhaps, they will have to rely on KC Cariappa as well as Mayank Markande for success.
Rajasthan Royals could do well to utilize the youngsters a lot better. Yashasvi Jaiswal had a torrid IPL 2020 while Riyan Parag was under-utilised. If Parag and Jaiswal get more opportunities and can be assured of a stable presence in the team, the youngsters can get the job done for Rajasthan Royals.
The biggest is worth Rs 16.25 crore. In the absence of Archer, Chris Morris will have to step up. There has been a history of injuries when it comes to Morris. With Archer gone, Morris will have to lead the bowling as well as provide depth in the batting. If Morris misfires, then Rajasthan Royals will have lost the plot. The bowling weakness is the only threat for Rajasthan Royals and they must utilize it well.
Chetan Sakariya has been touted as the next big thing in Saurashtra cricket. Sakariya has overcome family resistances, injuries and rehab to become one of the most dependable bowlers for Saurashtra. If Sakariya can make an impact, then Rajasthan Royals will benefit immensely.
Sanju Samson (captain), Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Riyan Parag, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Jofra Archer, Andrew Tye, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, KC Cariappa, Chetan Sakariya, Chris Morris, Shivam Dube, Mustafizur Rahman, Liam Livinsgtone, Kuldip Yadav, Akash Singh
