RR IPL 2025 Squad Analysis: Will The 2008 Wonders Work Again For Sanju Samson And Co?

Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League is knocking at the doors of the cricket fans. The grandest league in the world has seen lot of evolutions and changes in these 17 years. It has seen the domination of teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings and the rise of new teams like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. 

However, if we turn the clock back 17 years, the inaugural champions were the Rajasthan Royals. Since then they have had some promising seasons but failed to lift the trophy. As the 2025 season starts, the RR fans will hope that the jinx breaks this season and the team under the leadership of Sanju Samson wins their second title.

In this article, we will take a look at the RR squad for IPL 2025 and analyse where they might finish at the end of the tournament.

RR IPL 2025 Full Squad

Batters: Riyan Parag, Sanju Samson, Shubham Dubey, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana, Kunal Singh Rathode, Vaibhav Suryavanshi
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Ashok Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Akash Madhwal, Kwena Maphaka, Sandeep Sharma, Maheesh Theekshana, Yudhvir Singh

Strengths Of RR For IPL 2025

1. Top Order Strike Force

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson will open the innings for the Rajasthan Royals [Source: @Saabir_Saabu01/x.com]

Rajasthan Royals possess one of the strongest top-order batting lineups in IPL 2025, anchored by Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson. Jaiswal stands out with 1060 runs at a strike rate of 154.74, making him the team's most prolific scorer. Samson complements this with 893 runs at 147.12, providing a formidable opening partnership. This top-heavy approach has yielded significant dividends as evidenced by their overall batting scores of 84 and 83 respectively.

Datas are from IPL 2023 and 2024 to maintain relevance.

RR Batters' Performance Analysis [Source: OneCricket]

2. Quality Of The Indian Core

The franchise has wisely invested in developing a strong Indian core, retaining key players like Riyan Parag (651 runs, SR: 137.05) and Dhruv Jurel (347 runs, SR: 146.41). These investments are reflected in their retention costs, with all four Indian batters being retained for 14-18 crore each. This core provides stability and continuity to the team structure.

3. Bowling Variety

The addition of Tushar Deshpande (38 wickets, economy: 8.75) significantly strengthens their bowling attack. Combined with Sandeep Sharma (23 wickets, economy: 8.06) and specialists like Maheesh Theekshana (economy: 7.68) and Akash Madhwal (19 wickets), Rajasthan has assembled a diverse bowling unit that can adapt to various pitch conditions and match situations.

Weaknesses Of RR for IPL 2025

1. Middle-Order Vulnerability

Despite the strong top order, there's a noticeable drop in batting prowess in the middle order. After Riyan Parag, whose overall score is 78, there's a significant decline in proven middle-order specialists. Shimron Hetmyer (batting score: 68) shoulders considerable responsibility without adequate support.

2. Bowling Economy Concerns

Most of Rajasthan's bowlers have economy rates above 8, with Tushar Deshpande (8.75), Akash Madhwal (9.12), and Jofra Archer (8.84) all conceding runs at a relatively high rate. Only Maheesh Theekshana (7.68) and Sandeep Sharma (8.06) offer some control in this department.

RR Bowlers Performance Analysis [Source: OneCricket]

3. Inexperienced Backup Options

Several squad members like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, Kunal Singh Rathore, Ashok Sharma, and Kumar Kartikeya all have an overall score of 0, indicating limited proven IPL experience in the last two years. This lack of depth could be problematic if injuries occur to key players during the tournament.

---

ALSO READ

SRH IPL 2025 Squad Analysis: Can Cummins Repeat Warner's Captaincy Feat From 2016?

---

Opportunities

1. Explosive Batting Potential

With four batters striking above 145 (Jaiswal at 154.74, Hetmyer at 149.10, Samson at 147.12, and Jurel at 146.41), Rajasthan has the firepower to dominate bowling attacks. This explosive batting could be particularly effective when setting targets.

2. Spin Bowling Assets

The acquisition of specialist spinners like Maheesh Theekshana (bowling score: 68) and Wanindu Hasaranga provides options for slower pitches. These spinners offer variety and could be decisive on turning tracks, particularly in venues like Chennai or Delhi.

Threats

1. Over-Reliance on Top Order

The team's heavy dependence on Jaiswal, Samson, and Parag for runs makes them vulnerable if these players suffer form slumps. The data shows a significant drop in batting prowess beyond these three, with limited proven middle-order acceleration options.

2. Death Bowling Vulnerability

The economy rates of bowlers like Tushar Deshpande (8.75), Akash Madhwal (9.12), and Jofra Archer (8.84) suggest vulnerability in the death overs. The data indicates potential challenges containing aggressive batsmen in the final phase of innings.

X-Factor Player: Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag for RR [Source: @LoyalSachinFan/x.com]

Dual-threat capability: With a batting score of 78 and 651 runs at a strike rate of 137.05, Parag has proven his ability as a dynamic middle-order batsman. His all-round capability provides tactical flexibility.

Performance trajectory: At just 22 years, his retention at 14 crore indicates the franchise's belief in his continued development and potential for breakout performances.

Match-winning potential: His ability to accelerate in the middle overs (as evidenced by his strike rate) while also offering bowling options makes him the ideal player to turn games in Rajasthan's favour in critical situations.

Situation-Specific Playing XIs

Batting First XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal - Aggressive and dependable opening batter
Sanju Samson - Aggressive opening batter and Captain
Nitish Rana - Anchor
Riyan Parag - Situation specific adaptor
Shimron Hetmyer ✈️ - Death over accelerator
Dhruv Jurel - Finisher
Wanindu Hasaranga ✈️ - Spinn bowling all-rounder
Jofra Archer  ✈️ - Pacer
Tushar Deshpande - Pacer
Sandeep Sharma - Experienced death over bowler
Maheesh Theekshana ✈️ - Spinner

Impact Player: Akash Madhwal - To be brought in during the second innings to strengthen the attack.

Bowling First XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal - Aggressive opener
Sanju Samson - Aggressive opener
Nitish Rana - Anchor
Riyan Parag - Situation specific adaotor
Shimron Hetmyer ✈️ - Death Over Accelerator
Wanindu Hasaranga ✈️ - Spin bowling all-rounder
Jofra Archer ✈️ - Pacer
Tushar Deshpande - Pacer
Sandeep Sharma - Experienced death over bowler
Maheesh Theekshana ✈️ - Spinner
Akash Madhwal - Pacer

Impact Player: Dhruv Jurel - To be brought in during the second innings to strengthen the middle order.

Season Prediction For RR In IPL 2025

Based on objective data analysis, Rajasthan Royals present a mixed picture for IPL 2025. Their squad composition reveals significant strengths but also critical weaknesses that will likely lead to inconsistent performances throughout the season.

The data shows heavy reliance on just three batters (Jaiswal, Samson, and Parag) who contribute most of their runs. This lack of batting depth is concerning. The bowling attack, while featuring Tushar Deshpande (38 wickets), shows concerning economy rates above 8.5 for most bowlers. 

Prediction: Rajasthan Royals will likely finish in the middle of the table (5th-7th position). While they have enough firepower to win several matches, their structural weaknesses in middle-order batting and death bowling will prevent consistent performance across the tournament. Expect flashes of brilliance interrupted by frustrating collapses, ultimately missing playoff qualification by a small margin.

---

ALSO READ

RCB IPL 2025 Squad Analysis: Will Virat Kohli's Awful IPL Curse End Under Rajat Patidar?

---