Rajasthan Royals had an indifferent campaign in 2020. While they started well, they drifted off in the middle before posting a solid comeback in the latter stages of the league stage. This roller-coaster ride eventually led them to the bottom of the points table. That said, the performances were not bad like it appears to be.
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer were brilliant in the overseas department while the likes of Sanju Samson and Rahul Tewatia did well too. However, RR has plenty of scope for improvement, and the management would focus on that in the coming days.
If a mega-auction does happen before next season, RR would actually be delighted. They have a decent core at the moment, and a good chance could be on the table to improve it. On that note, here are seven players they must target if there is a mega-auction in 2021.
1. Manish Pandey
With the likes of Riyan Parag and Robin Uthappa having failed, RR might want to sign an experienced and in-form Indian batter for the upcoming season. Of the potential options, Manish Pandey stands at the top of the list. Also, Manish could lend good competition to Steve Smith for the captaincy. The Karnataka lad has a reputation of winning trophies as a captain, and that would help him if the situation arises.
2. Suryakumar Yadav
In case Manish Pandey is unavailable, SKY could be an alternative. A different batsman altogether, the Mumbai-player would undoubtedly add a chunk to the middle-order. His presence would also free up guys like Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler to play more attacking cricket. However, whether SKY would be released is one thing we ain’t sure of.
3. Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell would surely leave KXIP after a disappointing season. In that case, RR must target him. Steve Smith has struggled at times in this format, and Maxi could provide backup or even replace him in the XI. Yes, Maxwell is in horrific form, but if you can relieve him of the price-tag pressure, we could see the other side of him unleash.
4. Moeen Ali
Moeen Ali didn’t play many games for RCB this season. If he does gets released, there could be many teams waiting to pounce on him. We feel RR must give a try too. Moeen would be a perfect option to cover his countrymen- Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler. Also, when the pitches offer spin, Moeen could come into the line-up. He is our pick to replace David Miller in the current squad.
5. Kuldeep Yadav
Kuldeep Yadav’s difficult patch continued in IPL 2020. His confidence seems to be dented, and a change of atmosphere is the best option for him. RR does have a good spinner in Shreyas Gopal, but they would want an international option. Kuldeep has done well for India in the past and will strengthen the bowling unit of RR. Also, him and Gopal bowling in tandem would prove to be a nightmare for batsmen in any situation.
6. Ishant Sharma
The lack of an experienced Indian pacer hurt RR in 2020. A solid partner for Jofra was unavailable, and hence, on many occasions, batsmen could afford to play out the Englishman. Ishant Sharma could actually fulfill this role. His T20 bowling has improved in recent times, and if injuries can be avoided, he might do good in IPL. Young pacers like Karthik Tyagi and Akash Singh would also benefit from Ishant’s presence in the team.
7. Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood might be a useful option if the pitches tend to differ next season. A swing bowler at the start who can pick wickets would also complement Jofra very well. The Aussie will mostly come for cheap, and this could tempt RR to go for him. He is definitely a better option than Oshane Thomas and Andrew Tye, two players who warmed the bench for RR this season.
