Rajasthan Royals at IPL 2020 Auction: RR add experience in squad and deepen pace pool

The Jaipur-based franchise, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have never been spendthrifts but a look at their IPL 2020 squad surely gives an indication of their far-sightedness. A few young talents fresh off the U-19s, foreign league specialists, seasoned Indian campaigners, and proven IPL superstars round up the squad.

New Additions

Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rs 2.4 crore), Robin Uthappa (Rs 3 crore), Anuj Rawat (Rs 80 lakh), David Miller (Rs 75 lakh), Anirudha Joshi (Rs 20 lakh), Jaydev Unadkat (Rs 3 crore), Akash Singh (Rs 20 lakh), Kartik Tyagi (Rs 1.3 crore), Oshane Thomas (Rs 50 lakh), Tom Curran (Rs 1 crore), Andrew Tye (Rs 1 crore)

RR Squad 2020

Steve Smith (c), Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Jofra Archer, Robin Uthappa, David Miller, Ben Stokes, Oshane Thomas, Andrew Tye, Mahipal Lomror, Manan Vohra, Riyan Parag, Ankit Rajpoot, Mayank Markande, Shreyas Gopal, Varun Aaron, Jaydev Unadkat, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh, Rahul Tewatia, Shashank Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Anirudha Joshi, Tom Curran, Anuj Rawat

IPL Auction Performance Summary

The Royals carried a measured approach at the auction, though with much more clarity. After getting the prodigious 17-year old run machine Yashasvi Jaiswal, they secured David Miller as a finisher, and went on to strengthen their pace battery, including death specialists. They were also able to add a few young faces in the mix at their base prices.

Best buy for RR

If RR have to feel extremely satisfied about one buy of theirs, it has to be getting the services of Tom Curran at his base price. He is currently plying his trade in the Big Bash League for the Sydney Sixers. A fast bowler who can bat a bit, Curran is known to execute deadly yorkers. If he partners with Jofra Archer at the death, the duo can give any set batsmen a run for their money.

Loopholes

Absence of a full-fledged all-rounder in their ranks can bring too much pressure on Ben Stokes at times. Though they have Jofra Archer in their ranks, he is more of a player who can play cameos or supporting acts. The likes of Shashank Singh and Mahipal Lomror are too inexperienced to support the quality of Stokes and lack IPL experience too.

Verdict

RR have assembled a fine unit capable of winning matches and storming into the playoffs. With the proven warhorse Robin Uthappa in their ranks alongside hard-hitting Jos Buttler, Steve Smith, and Sanju Samson, they have an envious top-order. The men in pink can fancy their playoff chances with such a fiery squad at their disposal.

RR Probable Playing XI

To be updated.