IPL 2025: 3 Bowlers Rajasthan Royals Will Target During The Mega Auction

Rajasthan Royals will enter auction with INR 41 crore purse [Source: @yuzi_chahal/X.com]Rajasthan Royals will enter auction with INR 41 crore purse [Source: @yuzi_chahal/X.com]

Rajasthan Royals (RR) retained 6 players at the retention deadline, thus exhausting the maximum limit. They will be sitting at the IPL 2025 mega auction table with a total of INR 41 crores purse and zero RTM cards.

RR’s retention strategy surprised fans as they exhausted the maximum capacity. 6 retentions will lead to the disadvantage of having no RTM card, meaning RR will have no control over their released players.

Meanwhile, amongst the retained players, RR focused on keeping the batting core intact. Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag and Dhurv Jurel comprise the top order with Hetmyer coming in as finisher. However, in the bowling department, RR trusted only uncapped player Sandeep Sharma. Hence, the team management will certainly go after proven and quality bowlers at the auction table.

What will RR look for in the bowling department?

Rajasthan Royals have always had a mix of seasoned pacers and experienced spinners. A left-arm overseas pacer is something that will intrigue RR significantly. Besides fast bowling, the Royals also need quality spinners with extensive experience in subcontinent conditions. A mix of off and leg spin will be a steal, and RR will certainly go after experience and potential. 

Here are three bowlers RR will look to purchase at the IPL 2025 mega auction

3. Trent Boult

Why RR Will Target Trent Boult?

Trent Boult is one of the finest left-arm pacers out in the market. In three seasons with RR, Boult picked 45 wickets with an average economy of around 8.00. Boult’s precision with line and length with the new ball is remarkable, and with years of experience in IPL, the Kiwi has improved the art of restricting the flow of runs in the death overs. His angle of bowling is something most Indian batters are not comfortable with, and RR can exploit that weakness by buying Boult at the upcoming auction.

2. Keshav Maharaj

Why RR Will Target Keshav Maharaj?

South African left arm off spinner Keshav Maharaj is another potential buy for RR. His IPL experience is just 2 games in which he picked 2 wickets. But in SA20, Maharaj has 19 wickets in 23 games. His overall T20I stats are 38 wickets in 39 games. Besides being a deceptive spinner, Maharaj can also contribute with the bat. Hence, RR can extend the all-rounder depth by including a budget friendly option, Keshav Maharaj in the setup.

1. Yuzvendra Chahal

Why RR Will Target Yuzvendra Chahal?

Veteran leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is an obvious pick for RR. In the last three seasons for the Royals, Chahal picked 66 wickets in 46 games. Previously, Chahal was a key part of RCB’s bowling lineup and still remains one of the best spinners in the country. Meanwhile, for RR, Chahal was a successful pick for INR 6.5 crores in the 2022 auction. He is a wicket-taker with the ability to control runs in the middle overs. On spinning wickets, Chahal can also bowl in the powerplay and death overs. And his wealth of experience in the shorter format is irreplaceable. Hence, even without an RTM card, RR will aim to buy back Chahal in the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Conclusion

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will have to be very mindful of their auction strategy. With just INR 41 crores in the purse, fetching marquee players is a risk. However, with a cheaper option in Maharaj and two quality choices in Boult and Chahal, RR can produce a match-winning bowling lineup.