The Royals decided to retain 3 of their stars from the previous edition, their captain and keeper Sanju Samson and the opening pair of Jos Butler and Yashasvi Jaiswal. At first glance, it seems they have picked up some gems in the auction. It seems their strategy was to go for players who have performed consistently over the past few editions and mix it with the experience. However, it is the formation of XI that tells you the right picture. Picking an 11 is challenging since there is no stand-out all-rounder who may turn into their Achilles Heel in the tournament.
STAR PICKS – UNRETAINED
Rajasthan has managed to acquire some real game changers in their Indian contingent. Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Ashwin should definitely start as the spin combination. It is as good a bowling combination as any. They have the services of ever-improving Prassidh Krishna, and Navdeep Saini has also joined the ranks. The addition of Devdutt Paddikal also adds some calmness to what could be a frantic top order at times. The Royals will not be short on depth in quality in this tournament, that’s for sure.
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OVERSEAS SELECTION
The overseas selection however is quite puzzling. Maybe it is the trade-off of spending heavily on Indian talents. Trent Boult and Shimron Hetmyer are for me the ones that will make the team with Butler. It is difficult to see what the thinking was behind the selections of James Neesham, Daryl Mitchell, and the unproven Obed McCoy. Nathan Coulter-Nile and Rassie van der Dussen give them options but they had 0.95Cr left in the kitty, surely they missed the opportunity to get in a proven fast-bowling all-rounder.
POTENTIAL BREAKOUTS
Rajasthan this time around does not have many left-field choices that could come and create a stir. Most of the first 11 will be familiar names and even then first changes to the 11 are quite well known. More than break-out stars I feel Rajasthan will be looking for the likes of Jaiswal, Prassidh, Paddikal, and Parag to kick on from the previous season. Maybe only Parag has the capacity to surprise if he hits consistency not seen from him previously. From Prassidh, Jaiswal, and Paddikall there is an expectancy to perform now.
Probable XI
My starting XI to begin the tournament is:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Jos Butler
- Devdutt Paddikal
- Sanju Samson
- Shimron Hetmeyer
- Riyan Parag
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- James Neesham
- Yuzvendra Chahal
- Trent Boult
- Prasidh Krishna
What do you think of the team built by Rajasthan Royals?
What is your review of the team built by the Rajasthan Royals in 2022? Do share and comment in the comments section. You can also write us on our Twitter and Instagram handles. And reach to me directly at my Twitter handle Nimesh Patel. Please do not forget to share this blog with other cricket fans.
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