Rajasthan Royals, champions of the inaugural 2008 edition and runners-up 14 years later, have predominantly held onto their core players as they approach the player auction scheduled for December 19 in Dubai. This core includes key figures such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Prasidh Krishna, Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, and skipper Sanju Samson.
IPL 2024 Auction: Full coverage
In a strategic move, England batsman Joe Root, who spent the entire 2023 season on the bench, has been released along with eight other players by the Royals. Root’s decision to skip the 2024 season raises anticipations about whether the Royals will pursue him in the upcoming auction or explore alternative options.
After the recent release and retention decisions, RR finds themselves with a substantial purse of Rs 14.5 crore as they gear up for the upcoming auction in Dubai on December 19. This financial flexibility grants the Rajasthan-based franchise the opportunity to strategically strengthen its squad with impactful players.
Adhering to IPL regulations, each team can have a maximum of 25 players, including a provision for eight overseas players. As the auction approaches, a crucial question looms over Sanju Samson and the RR management: which players will they prioritize to fill the available slots, especially the three designated for overseas recruits?
CURRENT SQUAD
Sanju Samson (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Jos Buttler, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma (replacement), Trent Boult, Navdeep Saini, Kuldeep Sen, Kuldip Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Adam Zampa, Prasidh Krishna
RELEASED PLAYERS
Joe Root, Abdul Basith, Jason Holder, Akash Vashisht, Kuldip Yadav, Obed McCoy, Murugan Ashwin, KC Cariappa, KM Asif
REMAINING SLOTS AND PURSE
Slots remaining: 8 (3 overseas)
Purse: Rs 14.5 crore
TOP TARGETS
RR have made significant changes in their squad, parting ways with notable players like Joe Root and Jason Holder. While boasting a formidable top-order lineup featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and Samson, the team faces challenges in the middle order, particularly with Padikkal’s departure. The need for a solid middle-order batsman is evident, and potential options include Harry Brook, Daryl Mitchell, Steve Smith, Rovman Powell, and Shahrukh Khan. Additionally, there is a gap in the medium-pace department, and acquiring a player like Chris Woakes could prove beneficial for the team’s overall balance.
James Neesham
In the auction, RR will be eyeing an all-rounder to enhance their squad depth, and one potential candidate is New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. Priced at a base of Rs 1.5 crore, Neesham presents an attractive option for the Rajasthan-based franchise. With a formidable group of Indian bowlers already in their ranks, choosing an overseas player like Neesham could fortify RR’s batting lineup and introduce diversity to their bowling attack. This strategic move would not only add depth to their squad but also contribute to a more well-rounded and versatile team for the upcoming season.
DARYL MITCHELL
In the search for a middle-order batting solution, RR can set its sights on New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell. His stellar performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he played a pivotal role in guiding New Zealand to the semi-finals, has captured attention. Mitchell, a right-handed batter, amassed an impressive 552 runs in 10 matches. With a modest base price of Rs 1 crore, he emerges as a clear and compelling target for RR in the upcoming auction.
ROVMAN POWELL
An aggressive batsman with the ability to dismantle pace attacks in the death overs, Powell’s finishing prowess positions him as a highly coveted player in the IPL 2024 Auction. His skill set makes him a suitable choice for teams looking to address gaps in their line-up. While Powell may not contribute as significantly as a bowler, the impact player rule allows teams to leverage his explosive batting abilities while still maintaining a balanced bowling unit. As teams aim to strengthen their squads, Powell’s aggressive approach and finishing skills could make him a sought-after asset in the upcoming auction.
Potential Targets: Daryl Mitchell, Rovman Powell, James Neesham, Shahrukh Khan, Sarfaraz Khan, Chris Woakes, Alzarri Joseph
