IPL 2025: Strongest Rajasthan Royals playing 11

From the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League onwards, Rajasthan Royals have reached the playoffs on all occasions, which includes a final in 2021. The Royals wouldn’t be too happy to have let go of most of their players because of the IPL 2025 Mega-Auction. Although, they ensured that they retain all six options available, which include the likes of Sanju Samson (18 crore), Yashasvi Jaiswal (18 crore), Riyan Parag (14 crore), Dhruv Jurel (14 crore), Shimron Hetmyer (11 crore), and Sandeep Sharma (4 crore).

Jos Buttler is no longer part of the franchise and it remains to be seen how big a loss that could prove to be. Rajasthan Royals were left with 41 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega-Auction, which meant that they didn't have the luxury to make heavy bids to big players. Yet, they managed to acquire pretty good players and, eventually, built a rock-solid squad that can challenge big teams and end their quest of winning the second title.

Rajasthan’s biggest bid at the auction came for English speedster, Jofra Archer, whom they acquired for INR 12.50 crore. Both the Sri Lankan spinners, namely Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana also made their way into RR. 

In this article, let’s take a look at the strongest playing XI of Rajasthan Royals for the IPL 2025: 

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal 

The young Indian superstar is growing his stature with each passing year. Jaiswal has been vital to Rajasthan Royals’ success in the last few years. And, with Buttler no longer part of the side, the responsibility is huge on Jaiswal’s shoulders. He hit 435 runs in 15 matches, last season, at an average of 31.07 and a strike rate of 155. 

2. Sanju Samson 

Sanju Samson is likely to partner Jaiswal at the top of the order for Rajasthan. The skipper has been in brilliant form of late. He is making heads turn with his scintillating performances in T20Is for India. Additionally, he is making life difficult for bowlers in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and will be a player to watch out for in the upcoming IPL 2024. 

3. Nitish Rana 

Nitish Rana will be playing for a new franchise in Rajasthan Royals. He expressed his disappointment over not being picked by KKR and all that is past now. He can find a stable role at number three for Rajasthan Royals in IPL and it's an opportunity for him to showcase his batting skills and uplift his stature as a middle-order batter. 

4. Riyan Parag 

At number four, Rajasthan Royals have continued to put faith in Riyan Parag. Parag showcased his batting prowess in the last edition of the IPL as he smacked over 500 for the first time in his IPL career at an average and a strike rate of 52.09 and 149, respectively. The fans and his team would expect him to continue that form in the upcoming season. 

5. Shimron Hetmyer

Over the years, Shimron Hetmyer has time and again played vital knocks with the bat for Rajasthan Royals batting in the middle-order. He is an ideal player to have in the middle-order, who can stabilize the innings under pressure and can hit big sixes at will in the death overs. Hetmyer had an ordinary season last year and thus, his recent form is a point of concern for the franchise. 

6. Dhruv Jurel

At number six is Dhruv Jurel, who further bolsters RR’s batting unit. Jurel has been making heads turn with his performances in domestic cricket and will be pivotal to Rajasthan’s success in the upcoming season.  

7. Shubham Dubey

In a bid to add more power to RR’s middle-order, they have, once again, acquired the services of Shubham Dubey for just 80 lakhs. For the unversed, Shubham Dubey is a middle-order batter, who is known to be a great finisher. His presence in the batting line-up will give Rajasthan the confidence of posting big totals on the board.

 8. Wanindu Hasaranga 

Rajasthan had to let go of Chahal and Ashwin but have acquired the services of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, both of whom can be equally threatening. Hasaranga is an out-and-out match-winner in T20 internationals and can prove to be the ‘X’ factor for Rajasthan in the upcoming season. Plus, his batting credentials add depth to Rajasthan’s batting.

9. Sandeep Sharma 

Sandeep Sharma was brilliant for RR last season, picking 13 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 23.92. Sandeep Sharma has been a proven customer in the Indian Premier League and his experience will be vital to the team’s success in the upcoming season. 

10. Tushar Deshpande 

To bolster the pace attack, Rajasthan Royals have snapped up Tushar Deshpande for INR 6.50 crore. Given how he has performed in the last two seasons, Rajasthan would be delighted to add him to the set-up. However, those performances have come against CSK, who are known to bring the best out of every player. Whether Deshpande replicates a similar performance against CSK remains to be seen. 

11. Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer is back in the Rajasthan Royals’ setup. He did a phenomenal job, last time around, however, fitness remains a concern for the English pacer. Rajasthan needs to keep Archer fit for the bulk of the season if they are to make things difficult for the opposition with the ball.