Aakash Chopra highlights challenges for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has pinpointed possible hurdles for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the upcoming IPL 2025 season. He feels the team's struggle to find adequate replacements for their star players could be a major obstacle. "The replacements aren't even close to them," Chopra said on his YouTube channel, expressing his worry about the team's new acquisitions not measuring up to their former stars like Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Team composition
RR's retention and acquisition strategy for IPL 2025
Ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Rajasthan Royals retained key players such as Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma. They did so at ₹79 crore. They then spent ₹40.70 crore in the mega auction last November to add another 14 players to their squad. It will be interesting to see how the team lines up in the upcoming season.
Batting concerns
Chopra criticizes RR's batting lineup for IPL 2025
Chopra was disappointed with the Rajasthan Royals's batting lineup for IPL 2025. He pointed out that Shimron Hetmyer is their only notable overseas batter and slammed the team for not making any major additions to their Indian batting lineup. "It's a completely Indian batting lineup (apart from Hetmyer). You had retained your entire batting lineup," Chopra said, emphasizing his concern about the lack of diversity in their squad.
Squad composition
RR's overseas player strategy for IPL 2025
In anticipation of IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals have added six overseas players to their squad. Apart from Shimron Hetmyer, they bought Jofra Archer (₹12.50 crore), Maheesh Theekshana (₹4.40 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (₹5.25 crore), Fazalhaq Farooqi (₹2 crore) and Kwena Maphaka (₹1.50 crore) at the auction. This approach shows a focus on international talent to bolster their team for the upcoming season.
All-rounder deficit
Aakash Chopra highlights absence of all-rounder for RR
Chopra also noted the lack of a quality all-rounder in the Rajasthan Royals's IPL 2025 squad. "Another thing that was troubling me last year was that every team used to have an extra batter and bowler after the Impact Player rule was introduced as they had one or two all-rounders, but this team did not have any," he said. This could restrict their strategy on the field.
Performance concerns
Chopra questions Wanindu Hasaranga's all-rounder status
Chopra was also skeptical about Wanindu Hasaranga's all-rounder status in the IPL. Although he is an all-rounder, Chopra said, "he is not really an all-rounder at the IPL level yet." This makes one wonder if the team is relying on Hasaranga to fill this crucial role in their squad.
Spin concerns
Chopra highlights lack of Indian spinner for RR
Chopra also pointed out a possible problem for the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025, owing to the absence of an Indian spinner other than Kumar Kartikeya. He said that could impact their strategy and performance. He also raised concerns over over-dependence on Jofra Archer in the seam-bowling department owing to his recent inconsistency. These could be major roadblocks for the team next season.