Squad analysis IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals
Royals did two things 1) they bought the costliest players, 2) they raided the players of Rising Pune Supergiant. Rajasthan bought England's Ben Stokes and in the process made him the costliest player. Jaydev Unadkat too raked in the 'moolah'. Led by Steve Smith, RR look solid and have a host of Pune players in the mix. In this article we analyse Royals' squad.
Royals have variety in batting department
Ajinkya Rahane's sensibility and calmness would play a vital role for RR atop. Alongside him, young Sanju Samson is likely to open the innings. He can be explosive. Another crucial option comes in the form of D'Arcy Short; a revelation for Australia in T20Is. The middle-order is boosted by the affirmative Steve Smith alongside England's Jos Buttler and Rahul Tripathi of Pune Supergiant fame.
Rahane's consistency would be the biggest factor
For the last six seasons, runs have flowed from Rahane's bat in IPL. He was a part of the Supergiant team that reached the final of the 2017 edition. Rahane's ability to play through the innings and read the situation make him a prime asset.
RR have gone for balanced all-rounders
With the acquisition of Ben Stokes, RR made a huge statement. The former Supergiant player showed his prowess last year. Besides the Englishman, RR have gone for another experienced player in Stuart Binny. His skills in the middle-overs will provide options. 26-year-old stylish bowling all-rounder Ankit Sharma is a huge addition from Supergiant. Gowtham Krishnappa is another bright all-round talent from Karnataka.
Stokes serves as a masterclass warrior
England's Stokes is a world class addition for Royals with his brilliance as a whirlwind finisher and a quality bowler. Backed with excellent fielding skills, Stokes is a sheer example of a modern day macho man. His ability to win games is a massive boost.
Bowling department looks in decent shape for RR
Jaydev Unadkat enjoyed a stellar reason for the Supergiant last year with 24 wickets. Supporting him is the experienced Dhawal Kulkarni. Jofra Archer lends value with exceptional skills at the death. Veteran pacer Ben Laughlin, a hero of the BBL, is a sound option. Spin is where Royals lack the world class tag. Dushmantha Chameera needs to fire. All-rounder Gowtham's role would be crucial.
Unadkat's rise is key for Smith's side
Jaydev Unadkat is the voice of RR's pace attack. He has taken his chances well for India in the recent T20Is. His rise as a bowler will prove crucial as he needs to put his price tag behind and just enjoy his outings in IPL11.
What's our take on Rajasthan Royals?
The options are aplenty. The bench strength lacks the class of a Smith or a Rahane. Pace attack has variety and is heavy. More spin options would have been good. But with their base around Supergiant players, we expect them to reach the play-offs.
