 |
| IPL |
The Rajasthan Royals are gearing up for the IPL 2024 mini-auction, and speculation is rife about the players they might retain and release ahead of the deadline on November 26, 2023. After reaching the finals in 2022, the Royals faced a dip in performance in the subsequent season, finishing fifth on the table and missing out on the playoffs. Here's a closer look at the likely moves by the franchise:
Retained Core:
The Royals seem inclined to stick with their core group of players. Led by Sanju Samson, the team is expected to retain key contributors, including Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, R. Ashwin, Shimron Hetmyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and others. The retention list also includes the recent trade acquisition, Avesh Khan, who joined from the Lucknow Supergiants.
Coaching and Strategy Changes:
The Royals have made significant changes, not only in their playing squad but also in the coaching staff. Shane Bond has taken on a dual role as Assistant Coach and the team's new Fast Bowling Coach. This indicates a strategic shift, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded bowling attack.
Potential Releases:
While the core players seem secure, some names might be on the chopping block. Players like Jason Holder, Joe Root, Adam Zampa, and Navdeep Saini could be released, possibly due to underwhelming performances or to address the team's lack of all-round options. The absence of effective all-rounders has been identified as a weakness, and the Royals may be looking to address this in the upcoming auction.
Trade Dynamics:
The Royals have already engaged in trade activities, bringing in Avesh Khan in exchange for Devdutt Padikkal. The move raised eyebrows as Avesh Khan's retention cost is higher than Padikkal's. This could be a strategic play to secure more funds for the auction, although the exact motivations remain uncertain.
World Cup 2023 Impact:
The recently concluded World Cup 2023 showcased the performances of various all-rounders, potentially influencing the Royals' approach to team composition. Players who excelled in the World Cup, such as South Africa's Gerald Coetzee, could be on the radar for the Royals.
As the auction approaches, the Royals' management faces crucial decisions. Whether they continue with the existing strategy of relying on specialist batters and bowlers or opt for a more diversified approach remains to be seen. Fans eagerly await the final retained and released player list, which will provide insights into the franchise's blueprint for IPL 2024.
The side also has had a change in coaches with Shane Bond coming in for a dual role as Assistant Coach and also the team’s new Fast Bowling Coach.
The side is likely to go with the same core of players. Most of their bases are actually covered with the top four batters and specialist bowlers in place. The biggest weakness for the side has been the lack of all-round options for the side. Jason Holder was roped in for 5.75 crores but failed to make much of an impact on the side.
Most top sides have several options when it comes to bowling as it benefits the side with the variety of players for the skipper to make use of especially when it comes to pressure situations.
Avesh’s price of retention, however, is at 10 crores while Devdutt Padikkal’s cost of retention is at 7.75 crores. This move could be a play to get more money in the bank but seems very unlikely.
RR will be expected to retain the main starters of the side which include, Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yuzuvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Shimron Hetmeyer etc.
But players like Jason Holder, Joe Root, Adam Zampa, and Navdeep Saini could be back up for auction due to their poor performances or the lack of all-round options in the side.
The World Cup 2023 has had a variety of all-rounders who have performed which include the likes of South Africa’s Gerald Coetzee and more. Other sides also could release players which could benefit RR’s side as well. It will be interesting to see whether the management will look to continue with the same process as before where they rely on specialist batters and bowlers to get the job done or whether Sanju Samson will have more options on offer.
Players RR Likely to Retain
Sanju Samson (capt), Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, R. Ashwin, Shimron Hetmyer, Yuzvendra Chahal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Sandeep Sharma, Kuldeep Sen, Obed McCoy, KM Asif, Akash Vashisht, Abdul PA, Kunal Rathore, Kuldip Yadav, Avesh Khan (Trade)
Players RR Likely to Release
Trent Boult, Jason Holder, Joe Root, Adam Zampa, Navdeep Saini, Devdutt Padikkal (Trade), KC Cariappa, Murugan Ashwin,
