Rajasthan Royals (RR) have perennially drawn attention in the Indian T20 League as one of the most exciting teams. Their magnificent journey to the title win in the inaugural 2008 season set a lofty benchmark for the team. Yet, replicating that early success has been a formidable task for them in the ensuing years. Heading into the upcoming edition, the Royals will aim to end their trophy drought and secure their second title.
For the 2024 season, Rajasthan Royals have made some great acquisitions to bolster their squad, welcoming players such as Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, and Nandre Burger. This group will compete with the retained players to solidify their positions in RR’s playing XI.
At FanCraze, we take a look at RR’s probable playing XI for the 2024 edition:
Jos Buttler
Following a dip in form in 2023, scoring just 392 runs across 14 matches, Jos Buttler remains a crucial figure for Rajasthan Royals. His record of 2,696 runs at a strike rate of 148.78 across 72 matches positions him as the team's third-highest run-scorer. In 2024, Buttler will aim to leverage his experience to provide the Royals with explosive starts.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as a standout performer in 2023, topping Rajasthan's scoring chart with 625 runs from 14 matches at a strike rate of 163.61. His remarkable performance placed him fifth among the tournament's leading run-scorers. Jaiswal will aim to carry this formidable form into the 2024 season, providing RR with consistent, impactful innings at the top of the order.
Sanju Samson
Despite not leading the team to the playoffs in the previous season, Sanju Samson's batting brilliance was evident with 362 runs from 14 games. As captain, Samson's role in 2024 extends beyond his aggressive batting; his leadership and strategy will be crucial for Rajasthan's success.
Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer has been a key figure for Rajasthan, contributing 613 runs in 28 innings over two seasons, showcasing his power-hitting abilities. His role as a finisher has been vital, thanks to a strike rate of 152.86. Hetmyer's explosive batting will once again be central to RR's strategy, as they look to him to turn matches in their favour during crucial moments.
Riyan Parag/ Shubham Dubey
Scoring a modest 78 runs across seven matches at an average of 13.00, Parag’s form dipped significantly during the 2023 season. Despite this slump, the Rajasthan Royals saw fit to retain him for the 2024 season. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2023-24, Parag was a revelation for Assam, scoring an impressive 510 runs in 10 games at a strike rate of 182.79. The young all-rounder will look to extend his great run of form in the 2024 season.
Shubham Dubey, a new face in the Rajasthan Royals lineup, carries the expectations of a significant investment after being bought for a hefty sum of INR 5.8 crore at the 2024 auction. His performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Vidarbha was nothing short of spectacular, amassing 221 runs in just seven innings with a strike rate just shy of 190. Dubey's aggressive batting is complemented by his off-break bowling, providing a versatile option for the Royals.
Rovman Powell
After a disappointing stint with Delhi Capitals, scoring only seven runs in three games, Rovman Powell joins RR with something to prove. Bought for a hefty sum, his reputation as a power-hitter precedes him. In 2024, Powell will be eager to demonstrate his batting capabilities and justify Rajasthan's investment.
Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel caught attention during the 2023 season and his subsequent India debut, showcasing his batting and wicketkeeping skills. Scoring 152 runs in 11 innings last season, Jurel's aggressive batting at a strike rate of 172.73 has made him a player to watch in 2024. His performance this season could be key in proving the franchise's decision to retain him as prescient.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has been the linchpin of the Rajasthan Royals' spin attack, bringing a wealth of experience and skill to the fore. Over two seasons, Ashwin has captured 26 wickets in 30 matches at an economical rate of 7.50 runs per over. His ability to outthink batters and control the flow of runs makes him an invaluable asset to the Royals.
Trent Boult
Trent Boult, with his lethal swing bowling, is tasked with denting the opposition's top order early in the innings. Boult's expertise in seam and swing along with his left-arm angle, poses a significant challenge to batters, making him a key weapon in RR's bowling arsenal. In the previous season, Boult's knack for early wickets was evident as he claimed 13 wickets across 10 matches, despite an economy rate of 8.21. His ability to strike in the powerplay will once again be vital for Rajasthan.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal has been a revelation for the Royals, spearheading their spin department alongside Ashwin. With 48 wickets in 31 matches at an economy rate of 7.93, Chahal's impact has been monumental. As the 2024 season approaches, Chahal's eyes will be set on replicating his impressive performances.
Avesh Khan/ Sandeep Sharma
Avesh Khan joined Rajasthan Royals in a trade from Lucknow Super Giants, stepping into a vital role, especially in the absence of Prasidh Krishna, who’s been ruled of the tournament. Avesh's pace and ability to extract bounce make him a significant asset to the Royals' fast bowling contingent. His performance will be crucial for Rajasthan as they aim to strengthen their pace attack in pursuit of the title.
Sandeep Sharma, Navdeep Saini, and Kuldip Sen provide Rajasthan with a diverse set of options in the pace department. From Sandeep's swing to Saini's speed and Sen's knack for crucial breakthroughs, each bowler brings different skills. Their roles, potentially rotating based on matchups and conditions, will be vital in supporting the mainstays of the bowling unit.
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