As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction approaches, all eyes are on the competition’s inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals (RR). The team faces the challenge of rebuilding its squad with a mix of experienced players and new faces to create a competitive side for next season. Adding to the intrigue is the return of Rahul Dravid as head coach. Dravid, who is stepping down as India’s head coach, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to heavily influence RR’s auction strategy.

RR retained a solid core, including skipper Sanju Samson, dynamic opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal, middle-order batsman Riyan Parag and even young wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel for a significant Rs 14 crore. Experienced pacer Sandeep Sharma was also retained and a strong India base was created. Their decision to bring in key players reflects their focus on stability, but questions remain about their approach to foreign stars with the limited money they have left.

In particular, RR’s iconic overseas star batsman Jos Buttler and his successful spin duo of Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin have been the backbone of their success in recent years. However, the franchise is at a crossroads as the team holds the minimum remaining purse of Rs 41 billion and does not have the Right to Match (RTM) card in hand. Should he reinvest in his proven performers or bring in new faces to create a new formula for success?

RETAINING RR FOR IPL 2025

Sanju Samson, Yashaswi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Sandeep Sharma

Players Released by RR

Jos Buttler, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger, Tanush Kotian, Keshav Maharaj, Prasidh Krishna, Adam Zampa.

Will RR leave Jos Buttler?

The Indian cricket fan base has been stunned when Rajasthan Royals (RR) opted not to retain their star player Jos Buttler ahead of the IPL 2025 auction. With the Right to Match (RTM) card unavailable, this decision appears to signal RR’s plans for a new direction. Buttler himself expressed his gratitude for his time with the franchiseRR reciprocated these feelings by signaling an amicable separation. It is now quite possible that the England T20I skipper will head to a new team.

Buttler has spent six memorable years at RR since signing in 2018, cementing his legacy at the team. His 2022 IPL season, in which he amassed 863 runs and won the Orange Cap, remains one of the most iconic performances in the history of the league.

Also Read: Which players can KKR target with a Rs 51 crore budget?

David Miller as a possible no. 4?

If RR does not bring Buttler back, the team may consider restructuring the batting order. Moving Riyan Parag, who did well in IPL 2024, to the 3rd spot could be an option, while David Miller could settle for the 4th spot. Miller, who played for RR in 2020 and 2021, brings familiarity, experience and consistency, making him a suitable candidate for the new setup under head coach Rahul Dravid.

Considering wicketkeeper-batsman Dhruv Jurel is likely to retain the No. 5 spot after RR’s significant Rs 14 crore investment, Miller can provide a reliable middle-order anchor.

New Faces in the Speed ​​Department

RR have created a gap in their bowling line-up by releasing Nandre Burger and Trent Boult, their overseas pace options in IPL 2024. Gerald Coetzee, who impressed for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024 and South Africa’s T20I series against India, could be a strong contender. His ability with the bat adds an all-round dimension that can strengthen RR’s squad.

On the India front, RR may look to pair experienced seamer Sandeep Sharma with another reliable pacer. T. Natarajan, a former Sunrisers Hyderabad bowler featured in the auction, could provide the left-arm pace option RR needs.

Chahal, Ashwin or New Spin Options?

Yuzvendra Chahal, RR’s leading spinner since 2022, remains a high priority target for the franchise after taking 18 wickets in IPL 2024. Ravichandran Ashwin’s future at RR looks less certain. If RR cannot acquire Chahal, the Indian spin market offers limited alternatives, potentially complicating auction strategies.

Low priced, versatile, overseas

RR will look to secure an overseas all-rounder in the upcoming IPL mega auction, but limited purse value poses a significant challenge. If RR decide to go all out for a pacey middle-order batting option, possibly targeting big names, they may have little money left to buy an IPL all-rounder. But that doesn’t completely eliminate their options.

One promising candidate is 21-year-old England all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who is making progress with the national team. Recently, during England’s T20I series against the West Indies, Bethell scored two crucial half-centuries and showed his potential with the ball. Bethell, whose base price is set at Rs 1.25 billion, could prove to be a valuable long-term addition to RR.

Here’s how a potential XI could look for RR:

1. Sanju Samson
2. Yashavi Jaiswal
3. Riyan Parag
4. Overseas batsman (David Miller)
5. Dhruv Jurel
6. Şemron Hetmeyer
7. Overseas versatile
8. Yuzvendra Chahal
9. Overseas pacer (Gerald Coetzee)
10. sandeep sharma
11. Indian paceman (T. Natarajan)

RR: PREDICTED TOP XI AFTER IPL MEGA AUCTION

Sanju Samson (captain/keeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, David Miller, Dhruv Jurel, Jacob Bethell, Shemron Hetmeyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Gerald Coetzee, Sandeep Sharma, T. Natarajan