IPL 2024: SWOT analysis of Rajasthan Royals

IPL 2024: SWOT Analysis of RR

The Rajasthan Royals, champions of the inaugural IPL in 2008, aim to reclaim the title in the upcoming 17th season. Known as perennial underdogs, they reached the playoffs five times but fell short of a playoff spot by two points last season. Led by Sanju Samson, the reinvigorated team eyes success, bolstered by the acquisition of Avesh Khan. Their journey begins against Lucknow Super Giants on March 24, as they strategise to overcome challenges and seize opportunities in IPL 2024.

RR STRENGTH

Rajasthan Royals boast a formidable top order with Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and skipper Sanju Samson, who collectively scored over 1500 runs each in the past two IPL seasons. With the addition of Rovman Powell, their batting unit gains further strength. Additionally, RR possesses a potent spin department led by Chahal, Ashwin, and Zampa.

RR WEAKNESS

Rajasthan Royals' top-heavy batting lineup, featuring Jaiswal, Samson, and Buttler, leaves them vulnerable to early wickets, amplifying pressure on the middle order. Inconsistent finishers like Hetmyer and Parag add to the concern, underscoring the team's reliance on top-order stability. Furthermore, the lack of genuine all-rounders like Ashwin and Mushtaq limits their flexibility in lineup changes and experimentation throughout IPL 2024.

RR OPPORTUNITIES

The upcoming IPL season presents several opportunities for Rajasthan Royals players to shine. Shubham Dubey, known for his powerful batting, was acquired for INR 5.8 crore, eager to justify the investment. With Shimron Hetmyer's inconsistent form and Riyan Parag's underwhelming IPL performances, Dubey could provide the much-needed stability and power hitting. Parag, despite domestic success, aims to bounce back, while Samson and Chahal eye T20 World Cup selection.

RR THREAT

Prasidh Krishna's injury sidelines him for IPL 2024, but Rajasthan Royals boast depth in their pace bowling reserves. However, their 2023 squad, nearly identical to the 2022 finalists, struggled, revealing vulnerabilities, particularly in batting. RR's reliance on key players without ample backups could pose challenges in the upcoming season.

RR PREDICTED XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Riyan Parag, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma (impact sub)

RR SQUAD

Sanju Samson (c), Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, Avesh Khan, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Abid Mushtaq, Nandre Burger. Players injured/withdrawn: Prasidh Krishna.