The Rajasthan Royals have made some big changes to their squad ahead of IPL 2021. They have allowed their captain Steve Smith to return to the auction pool and named Sanju Samson as their captain. Besides, the Jaipur-based franchise has traded Robin Uthappa to the Chennai Super Kings.
Courtesy of Smith’s release, there has been a considerable increase in the auction purse of the Royals. They could bid aggressively for some big names in the 2021 auction. Here are the five foreign stars the Rajasthan Royals could target in IPL 2021 Auction, which will happen on February 18.
5. Glenn Maxwell
The Rajasthan Royals have opened up a spot in their top-order by releasing Steve Smith. They have Manan Vohra and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings now, with Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler as the next two batsmen.
Maxwell could bat at the number five position for the Royals, with Ben Stokes, Rahul Tewatia, and Jofra Archer following him in the lower middle-order. This batting lineup could destroy any bowling attack in the world. Also, the Royals will get an off-spin bowling option if they sign Maxwell. Thus, RR could consider buying him.
4. Tom Banton
The Rajasthan Royals used Steve Smith and Ben Stokes to open the innings in the previous IPL season. They have even released Robin Uthappa from their squad. So, they need a proper opening batsman who could provide them with solid starts.
Yashasvi Jaiswal is still growing as a cricketer, while Manan Vohra has not fired in the IPL since he bid farewell to KXIP. So, it would be great if the Royals invest their funds in Tom Banton’s services. Last year, he warmed the benches for a major part of the season at KKR. However, the Royals could give him a chance to open for them.
3. Thisara Perera
In case the Rajasthan Royals wish to have Ben Stokes bat in the Top 5, they will need an experienced finisher who can finish off the innings with Rahul Tewatia and Jofra Archer. Thisara Perera could play that role for RR.
Although RR have David Miller available, Perera can also give four overs of medium-pace to the team. He did an excellent job for the Jaffna Stallions in the inaugural Lanka Premier League. Perera could be a great addition to the RR squad.
2. Sheldon Cottrell
The Rajasthan Royals have released many fast bowlers from their squad before the 2021 season. Along with overseas stars Tom Curran and Oshane Thomas, the likes of Varun Aaron, Ankit Rajpoot, and Akash Singh have also lost their contracts.
The Jaipur-based franchise have two talented foreign fast bowlers in Andrew Tye and Jofra Archer. Jaydev Unadkat is the team’s top left-arm pacer. However, RR should sign a back-up for Unadkat because he has not been in his best form while playing for them in the IPL. A limited-overs specialist like Sheldon Cottrell could form a destructive partnership with Archer in the pace attack.
1. Shakib Al Hasan
As mentioned ahead, the Rajasthan Royals need an all-rounder who can give proper balance to their playing XI. They need someone who can bat between Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. Also, he should be able to give a few overs to the team.
Shakib Al Hasan is one of the top all-rounders in the world. His ICC Ranking shows how consistent he has been in all formats. He can be of great help to new captain Sanju Samson because Shakib has captained Bangladesh before. Thus, he might be on RR’s wishlist.
