RR SWOT Analysis: Rajasthan Royals have not been one of the very consistent teams in the IPL, with the Royals making it to the playoffs once in 2008 out of their continuous IPL appearances. It took them 14 years to restore their lost honor by qualifying for their 2nd playoff in the 15th edition of IPL 2022.
However, the Royals made it to the playoffs just twice but went through to the finals on both occasions, winning the first one in 2008 and losing the second in 2022. This year they would look to do well in the title race with a formidable team.
Strengths
Rajasthan Royals probably have the strongest batting order in the IPL, consisting of fierce openers, dominant middle order and powerful finishers. Jos Buttler this year is expected to be the backbone of the team’s batting lineup once again. The Englishman would expect support from Indian talented seeds like Jaiswal, Padikkal, Parag and skipper Samson himself.
The Royals are also known for their outstanding bowling duos, the fiery attack of Krishna-Boult and the tricky duo of Chahal-Ashwin, both excelled in their quest last year for the Royals. The Royals would seek their brilliance this year too. Their biggest worry of a 5th bowling option might get solved with this year’s IPL pick of Holder, which makes their attack even more comprehensive.
Weaknesses
The team looks very formidable and does not seem to have any noteworthy weaknesses, but their squad lacks backup options, especially for their steep batting order consisting of heavyweights who are hard to be replaced. Players like Buttler and Hetmyer are hard to be replaced, though they have the likes of Donavon Ferriera.
But Indian star batters are impossible to be replaced by any player in the squad, as they lack backup options. The star-studded bowling lineup is even more irreplaceable as RR does have many bowling backups but none of them is convincing enough to replace the main 4 in the playing 11.
Opportunities
Over all these years playing for the Royals each year, there has been a chance for Sanju Samson to make his way to the Indian National side. Now being the team’s skipper and attaining success in the last edition, Sanju would look to rise even more this season, as despite his amazing performances over the years he could not seal a permanent spot in the Indian Men’s Team.
IPL 2023 can also provide an opportunity for young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to pave his way into the national side, as the Indian side is in the urge of recruiting new batters on the Indian national side. Krishna on the other hand with a good performance in the IPL can make a comeback to the Indian team after his long exit.
The Royals had a wonderful run in the last edition and they would look to assure their win, this season of the IPL in 2023.
Threats
Eminent players like skipper Samson, windies finisher Hetmyer and bowling spearhead Chahal and Boult, all these players contributed massively to the Royals’ success in the last edition. But these players are going through a bad patch as Samson has not had a very active cricketing season, as he missed domestics due to national duty but was mostly not included in the playing 11 and was later dropped due to injuries.
Hetmyer also did not have much of games since the last IPL and the ones that he played did not go much his way. International kingpins like Boult and Chahal were neither picking wickets nor were economical in the recent past.
Another big concern for RR would be Holder’s weak performance recently.
He was picked with 5.75 crores to entrust him with the role of the 5th bowler and a finishing role in batting, however, his weak form can be a reason to worry for the Royals.
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