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3 Similarities Between IPL Team Rajasthan Royals and Premier League Club, Leicester City

Rajasthan won the league in 2008 [x] Rajasthan won the league in 2008 [x]

The inaugural champions of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals and the Premier League Champions of 2016-17 season, Leicester City are similar in many ways.

The two teams have often being labelled as underdogs, and they have lived up to the tag. While no one gave Rajasthan a chance to win the IPL in 2008, while the bookmarkers priced Leicester at 5000/1 to win the League in 2016.

With that said, let us look at 3 similarities between the two teams from different sport.

The underdog journey

Leicester City were the favourites to get relegated from the Premier League in 2016. However, they defied all odds and won the League, rather convincingly. Every-time they came up against the big sides, they brought their best game, and were the deserving champions of that year.

Similary, nobody gave Rajasthan a chance in IPL 2008. They had an average squad, and that too without a coach. Shane Warne, who was the captain of the side, was also an acting coach for the franchise. They defeated tournament favourites, CSK in the finals to clinch the IPL 2008 title.

Shane Warne Vs Claudio Ranieri

Shane Warne was past his prime when he came to play the IPL. RR had no marquee player in the inaugural year, hence, Warne was named the captain. The decision was a master-stroke since Warnie inspired the team to a historic title run.

He honed the skills of youngsters, and made them believe in themselves. Similary, when Leicester appointed Ranieri, he was well past his prime, too. But the Italian defied the odds and the Foxes captured the league title. Through his leadership, he helped in the development of younger players.

The atrocious season, that followed!

After winning the IPL in 2008, expectations were high from the Royals, but they disappointed, to the core and finished at the sixth position, and failed to qualify for the knockouts.

Similarly, Leicester were expected to do well in the Premier League, the following season, but disaster struck as they finished 9th in the table, and Ranieri was sacked mid-way through the season.