The Rajasthan Royals are poised for a significant strategic move ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, with four players confirmed for retention: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma. While these players will solidify their presence in the squad, notable absences from the retention list include England’s limited-overs captain Jos Buttler and Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Despite not being retained, the Royals retain the option to utilize their right-to-match cards to bring these key players back into their fold during the auction.
As the deadline approaches for announcing retained players, attention also turns to wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel. Signed during the 2022 mega auction for INR 20 lakhs, Jurel has rapidly established himself as a crucial component of the Royals lineup. He made his India debut in the Test series against England earlier this year and has been recognized for his dynamic lower-order batting. Jurel has participated in 22 innings for the Royals, amassing 347 runs at an impressive strike rate of 151.52, showcasing his ability to make impactful contributions in pressure situations.
Financially, the Royals will see a significant adjustment to their auction purse due to these retentions. Retaining four players will cost them a minimum of INR 47 crore from their total budget of INR 120 crore. In alignment with current IPL regulations, Sandeep Sharma qualifies as an uncapped player because he has not played international cricket in the last five years. If Dhruv Jurel is retained, the Royals' financial commitment could increase to a minimum of INR 65 crore, leaving them with a workable budget of INR 55 crore for the auction.
The performance of the retained players has been pivotal to the Rajasthan Royals’ success in IPL 2024, where they achieved a spot in the playoffs. Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag enjoyed their most productive IPL seasons to date, with Samson scoring 531 runs and Parag achieving 573 runs. Parag’s outstanding form earned him a T20 International debut for India, marking a significant personal milestone following the season. Meanwhile, Sandeep Sharma, acquired for INR 50 lakh in the 2023 auction, distinguished himself with 13 wickets in IPL 2024, complemented by an economic bowling rate of 8.18. His effectiveness in both the powerplay and death overs contributed significantly to the team’s bowling strategy.
On the other hand, while Yashasvi Jaiswal's performance did not reach the heights of 2023, where he accumulated 625 runs at a strike rate of 163.6, he still finished the 2024 season with 435 runs at a strike rate of 152. As one of the top young batting talents in the country, his long-term potential remains a key asset for the franchise.
Although Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal were instrumental in the Royals' journey to the finals in IPL 2022—where they claimed the Orange Cap and Purple Cap, respectively—both faced challenges in the 2024 season. Buttler, who has been a cornerstone of the Royals' batting line-up, recorded 359 runs at a rate of 141. However, he has struggled with injuries since England's semi-final loss against India in the T20 World Cup. Conversely, Chahal continued to be a formidable presence with 18 wickets at an economy rate of 9.41, often fulfilling the role of an Impact Player when the Royals batted first.
The impending deadline of October 31 marks a crucial moment for all franchises in the IPL, as they finalize their retained player lists. Each of the ten teams has the option to retain up to six players ahead of the 2025 mega auction, with specifications on the maximum proportion of capped and uncapped players. The increasing competitive nature of the IPL demands strategic planning and monetary management, as franchises must navigate the financial implications of player retentions, including set minimum deductions from the auction budget.
With the retention window closing soon and the auction looming on the horizon, the Rajasthan Royals face key decisions that will undoubtedly shape their squad dynamics and strategic approach for the upcoming IPL season. The focus will be on leveraging their retained talents while also evaluating the potential impact of acquiring former players through their right-to-match options. The outcomes of these decisions will not only affect the franchise's immediate performance but will also lay the groundwork for its future in the competitive landscape of Indian cricket.