It's quite surprising that winners of the inaugural IPL have not managed to even make it to the finals after that in the League. The franchises always keep a low profile and tend to buy youngsters who they can mold. They have been successful in doing so but haven't managed to convert that to trophies yet. It's been 11 year since Rajasthan Royals won the IPL title and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the team coming out with all guns blazing especially now with the likes of Ben Stokes, Steven Smith and Jos Butler. Consistency has been the main stressor for the team. They finished 4th in 2018 and a disappointing second last in 2019. Though now the team with more experienced players and in-form players will be looking to change their fate.
With the IPL all set to begin in UAE this year, Cricwizz takes a look into the 5 RR players to watch out for this year.
1. Ben Stokes
Currently the best all-rounder in the World, Rajasthan Royals would be excited and looking forward for the English star to make his contributions for the team. The 29-year old has been unstoppable and breaking records at will. Though he is relatively new to IPL with only 30 odd matches to his name, he has managed to create an impact in those matches too. Now with the full season to be played and being in the form of his life, it would be really exciting to see what he has in store for the franchise.
The batting all-rounder has played 34 matches in the IPL and scored 635 runs at a modest average of 22.68 and strike-rate of 132. Stokes has also managed to pick up 26 wickets with best figures of 3/15. He has a half-century and century, with a high score of 103 to his name.
2. Jos Butler
Another English player makes the list and this time it is the hard-hitting Wicket-keeper batsman Jos Butler. He has been one of the regulars of the franchise from the last two seasons and has scored 851 runs for RR in the 21 games. With his last season being cut short due to International commitments, this time around he could play out the season with no other international matches colliding with IPL for him.
The 29-year old has played 45 matches in the IPL and managed to score 1386 runs at a good average of 35.54 and brilliant strike-rate of 151. His strike-rate stands as one of the highest by openers in IPL and if he continues to maintain that in the upcoming IPL, it wouldn't take long for him to take the match away from the opposition. He has 9 half-centuries, with a high score of 95 to his name.
3. Jofra Archer
Yes, We are indeed discussing Rajasthan Royals and not England. The third English player to make the list is the sensation Jofra Archer. The 25-year old was bagged for a whopping 7.20 crs in 2018 and he hasn't disappointed the franchise ever since and has done all justice to his price tag. He managed to claim 15 wickets in his debut season for the franchise. With the IPL initially scheduled to take place from March 29th.
The all-rounder was ruled out of the league with an elbow injury, but with the IPL being postponed and now to take place in September, it is all good news for Archer and the franchise. Archer has played 21 matches in the IPL and picked up 26 wickets at an stunning strike-rate of 16. Though he hasn't yet made much impact with the bat, he does possess a great ability to clear the ropes.
4. Jaydev Unadkat
The 28-year old pacer keeps finding his way back to Rajasthan Royals despite being released by the franchise on several occasions. This time around the franchise did mean it when they bagged him the auctions as the pacer is thriving with form. He had a very good time in the Vijay Hazare trophy and also managed to claim a sensational 67 wickets in the Ranji Trophy. If he can continue that form coming into the IPL, the opposition would definitely have a hard time.
The left-arm pacer has played 73 matches in the IPL and 77 wickets at a strike-rate of 19.56 and average of 28. He has best figures of 5/25 to his name.
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal
The 18-year old who made the headlines for the youngest ever to score a double-century in list-A was indeed a hot property in the auctions. The Rajasthan Royals won the chase after bagging the youngster for 2.4 crs. Though he has not played any International matches yet it is no doubt the young sensation could give a difficult time to the big boys. With RR may having to play few matches without the likes of senior players it could open up the door for Jaiswal to make his debut in the highest profile.
The left-hander has played 13 List-A matches and has managed to score 779 runs at a jaw-dropping average of 71 and strike-rate of 92. He has 3 centuries and 3 half centuries, and a high-score of 203 to his name.
Cover Credits: CricketCircle