Rajasthan Royals went in with a clear strategy for IPL 2020. Their overseas department was set, and the management hoped that their foreign players’ performances could lead them to the playoffs. The tactic somewhat worked, but then, as the tournament went on, team-balance issues pulled them back.
If there is a mega-auction in 2021, Rajasthan Royals will have a couple of slots to improve. The first row in the checklist must belong to capped domestic players. There were very few in 2020, and that had a major impact on their overall display.
When it comes to retainment, RR can follow a simple tactic. They can retain their core and can build on from there. On that note, here are five players they can target to retain.
1. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler was not extra-ordinary in IPL 2020, but he has been RR’s best player since 2018. Hence, he must be the first pick that RR must make before the auctions. Buttler is a quality T20 cricketer. He is a sweet timer of the ball, and when he gets going, there are very few better batsmen than him on the planet. The Englishman is also a fine wicket-keeper, and this would help RR play a pure specialist domestic batsman. We also opine that Buttler should be RR’s captain from the upcoming campaign.
2. Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is arguably the best all-rounder in the game right now. With performances in the World Cup and the Ashes, Stokes has already achieved legendary status. He also became the national team’s captain for a few games. Although he has not been great in IPL in recent years, Stokes is someone who can win you games single-handedly. When he scores, there is an impact, and more often than not, his team will end up on the winning side. While that’s about his batting, Stokes is also a useful bowler. He can act as a filler, and when needed, the New Zealand-born cricketer can also do the job at the death.
3. Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer belongs to that category of bowlers, which comprises the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Kagiso Rabada. He reminds us of the West Indian bowlers of the nineties, and that itself is a huge achievement. While the pace is his main weapon, Jofra’s specialty lies in controlling it as per the situation. The Englishman has also got a few variations up his sleeve. Along with all of this, Jofra is also a decent batsman. His strength lies in hitting over the boundaries, and for a guy who bats in the tail-end, that is a good thing.
4. Sanju Samson
Now, should RR go for Steve Smith or not? He is the team’s captain and is also one of the leading batsmen in the game. However, we feel Smith is not exactly cut for the T20 format. He is slow to adapt to the conditions, and in T20’s, that is difficult to afford. Therefore, Sanju Samson can be given a try ahead of Smith. Sanju is a domestic cricketer and is also a good player. He at the top of the order will help the balance of the team. His wicket-keeping skills can also be used when required.
5. Kartik Tyagi
If RR has to retain an uncapped cricketer, there are plenty of prospects. The list includes Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Tewatia, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag. However, the best option at the moment seems to be Kartik Tyagi. The rookie player got a few games in IPL 2020 and left most of the fans and the experts impressed. He has got pace and the variations that are necessary for being a good T20 bowler. Kartik is a guy for the future, and this should be the main reason why RR must retain him.
