Rajasthan Royals (RR), a franchise once praised for bold tactics and championing underdogs, endured a disappointing IPL 2025 season. Their dismal exit, sealed with a crushing 100-run defeat to Mumbai Indians (MI), ended any playoff hopes and ignited criticism over their strategic decisions. With just three wins in 11 matches, cricket analysts and fans alike are questioning whether flawed retention and auction strategies were at the heart of RR’s failures.
Costly Retention Mistakes: Overtrust in Unproven Talent
Ahead of IPL 2025, Rajasthan Royals retained six players—Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma—spending ₹79 crore from their ₹120 crore budget. This significantly restricted their flexibility in the player auction.
Crucially, they chose not to retain seasoned performers like Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan. These veterans had proven their worth in pressure-filled games and offered valuable stability. Their exclusion raised eyebrows, particularly as RR struggled to hold their ground during crunch moments throughout the season.
Inexperience Over Experience: Aakash Chopra’s Tough Questions
Cricket expert Aakash Chopra, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, questioned the logic of RR’s team construction. He criticized the franchise for creating a top-heavy Indian batting order with limited international experience.
“You can’t rely on youth and promise alone to win titles,” said Chopra. “Senior players like Jos Buttler brought leadership and composure—qualities this team sorely missed.”
He also criticized RR’s decision to spend ₹14 crore on Dhruv Jurel and ₹11 crore on Shimron Hetmyer, asserting that such figures were inflated and unlikely in an open auction. This mismanagement of funds, he argued, left the team unable to build a solid bowling attack, ultimately contributing to their downfall.
Fragile Bowling Unit: Star Power, Poor Execution
Despite acquiring notable bowlers like Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana, RR’s bowling attack fell short of expectations. These international stars underperformed, leaving the team exposed in several matches. The decision to release key Indian bowlers such as Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, and Trent Boult—while retaining only Sandeep Sharma—backfired badly.
Chopra emphasized the high value of Indian spinners in the IPL and labeled the release of Chahal as a major mistake. He also pointed out the Royals’ failure to go after rising spin talent like Noor Ahmad, missing a golden opportunity to strengthen their bowling arsenal.
Abhinav Mukund echoed these sentiments, highlighting RR’s misplaced faith in foreign bowlers. Jofra Archer, a costly acquisition, failed to deliver. Meanwhile, Indian pacer Tushar Deshpande—purchased for ₹6.5 crore—was benched for most of the season, further showcasing misjudged investment.
Missing Allrounders: The Balance Rajasthan Needed
One of the most significant structural issues in the RR squad was the lack of a dependable allrounder. In a format where balance is everything, the team often fielded only five main bowlers, a risky strategy that left no room for error.
While the Impact Player rule offered some flexibility, it couldn’t cover the absence of a sixth bowling option. Riyan Parag’s occasional overs weren’t enough to fill the gap. As Aakash Chopra pointed out, RR desperately needed a player capable of contributing effectively with both bat and ball—something they failed to prioritize during the auction.
Questionable Buys and Poor Prioritization
Outside their big-money retentions, RR spent ₹5.3 crore on players like Nitish Rana and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. These purchases did little to strengthen the team and were seen as questionable, especially considering the franchise’s existing gaps.
Mukund criticized the franchise for not allocating their funds toward experienced bowlers or a game-changing allrounder. By ignoring proven performers from previous seasons—such as Boult, Ashwin, or Chahal—RR lost the depth and versatility that’s essential in defending totals or applying bowling pressure.
Lack of Squad Depth and Flexibility
Another major issue that plagued RR’s 2025 campaign was the lack of depth in both their batting and bowling departments. A squad heavily reliant on young Indian talent without seasoned campaigners lacked the versatility needed to adapt to varying match conditions.
Their gamble on potential over proven performance proved costly. In a format as dynamic as T20, a balanced combination of youth, experience, and form is key. Unfortunately, RR’s strategy leaned too far in one direction, leaving them vulnerable.
Conclusion: Strategic Reboot Required for IPL 2026
The Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 season stands as a glaring example of how poor retention and auction planning can derail a campaign. Their overinvestment in untested talent, failure to retain experienced match-winners, and a lack of attention to allrounders and bowling depth left the team structurally weak.
To bounce back in IPL 2026, RR must reassess their priorities. They need to strike a balance between nurturing young talent and leveraging the stability of experienced players. Avoiding inflated spending on potential and building a more versatile squad—especially with reliable bowlers and allrounders—will be critical.
Only with a recalibrated, well-balanced strategy can Rajasthan Royals hope to reclaim their reputation and compete seriously for playoff contention in future seasons.
