IPL 2025, RR: Squad analysis, schedule, Probable XI, and more
What's the story
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are all set for their IPL 2025 season with an eye on their second title. The 2008 IPL champions will begin their run against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23 in an away match. Under the captaincy of Sanju Samson, who propelled them to the IPL 2024 playoffs, RR are eager to bounce back after last year's Qualifier 2 defeat.
Team analysis
Strengths and weaknesses Rajasthan Royals
The Royals had retained their core group of batters led by skipper Samson. At the auction, they went all out for Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Kwena Maphaka. However, this can present the Royals with a problem of plenty. Besides, RR's biggest strength is their batting line-up, which features T20 experts like Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer, and Riyan Parag. However, they will miss the presence of spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Youth
RR's 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Like most franchises, RR took quite a few a bold calls at the mega auction. They picked Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 13-year-old Indian batter, who is now the youngest to earn an IPL deal. RR shelled out ₹1.1 crore for him. In January 2024, the teenager created history by becoming the second-youngest player ever to play in a Ranji Trophy game for Bihar.
Squad
Full squad for IPL 2025
RR squad for IPL 2025: Sanju Samson (captain and wicket-keeper), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper), Shimron Hetmyer, Nitish Rana, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Rathore, Riyan Parag, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sandeep Sharma, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Akash Madhwal, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, and Ashok Sharma.
Probable XI
What can be their Probable XI?
Samson has finally the RR squad after recovering from his finger injury. However, the same can keep him away from wicket-keeping duties. In the case, Dhruv Jurel will do the glovework. Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (captain), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, and Sandeep Sharma.
Fixtures
RR to take on SRH in their opener
As mentioned, the Royals will take on SRH in their opening game, on March 23, in Hyderabad. It will be an afternoon game. They will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) next on March 26 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. This will be RR's first home match. However, they will play at their original home ground, in Jaipur, on April 13, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Twitter Post
A look at full schedule
📅 𝟐𝟑𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐬𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐣𝐞𝐠𝐚 𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐫 𝐞𝐤 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫, 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐥! 🔥💗 pic.twitter.com/hcQ2QUK5jf
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 16, 2025
Recap
How RR fared in IPL 2024
As mentioned, RR's IPL 2024 campaign ended with a defeat to SRH in Qualifier 2, in Chennai. Chasing 176, RR put up a disappointing show with the bat as they were restricted to 139/7. RR won eight of their first nine games before losing four on the bounce. Their final league match got washed out as RR finished third in the standings, with 17 points (NRR: +0.273).