Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sanju Samson (Source: @MukeshA50361528/X.com)
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is all set to kickstart on March 22 and the competition is expected to be intense as always with 10 quality teams fighting it out for the ultimate trophy. One of those teams is Sanju Samson's Rajasthan Royals and they would be hoping to end the trophy drought and win the title again after the highs of the inaugural season.
Rajasthan Royals is a franchise that is known to groom lesser-known cricketers and dish out exciting talents. It is something we can expect from them in this season too with plenty of underrated players in their squad. So, ahead of the season, let's see three players who can be surprise weapons for Sanju Samson in the upcoming edition.
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is just 13-year-old but has already made his name in the Indian cricketing circles. He was bought at 1.10 Crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction and after that, he has impressed in the U19 Asia Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy with his power-hitting. He hit back-to-back fifties in the U19 Asia Cup, and it is his ability to get going from the ball one that can turn heads in IPL 2025.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi In U19 Asia Cup 2024
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Innings | 5 |
Runs | 176 |
Average | 44 |
Strike-Rate | 145.45 |
He is naturally an opener, but there are chances that RR can unleash him at number 3 with presence of Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. In his brief cricket career so far, the youngster has shown a knack of hitting big sixes. The youngster also impressed coach Rahul Dravid with his hitting in RR's practice session, and could well turn out to be a a surprise weapon for RR.
2. Kwena Maphaka
Kwena Maphaka, the 18-year-old South African youngster impressed one and all in the U19 World Cup 2024 and emerged as a leading wicket-taker of the tournament. It helped him get MI contract for the 2024 season, but things did not go youngster's way. However, the left-arm pacer has gained a lot of experience since, and has played both domestic T20s and for South Africa.
Kwena Maphaka in U19 World Cup 2024
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches | 6 |
Wickets | 21 |
Kwena Maphaka In T20s
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches | 32 |
Wickets | 36 |
He has deceptive pace and can swing the ball both ways. Also, he has the ability to nail the yorkers at the death which can make him a hot asset on his day. Thus, if Maphaka uses those skills and the recent experience, he could be a genuine wicket-taker for RR, forming a lethal pair with Jofra Archer.
3. Shubham Dubey
Shubham Dubey, the Vidarbha star can be another surprise weapon for RR in the upcoming edition. He has been a consistent performer for Vidarbha for a long time, and also played four matches for RR in the last season. Rajasthan Royals have a strong Indian batting arsenal, but most of them are the batters who like to bat in top four and that is where Shubham Dubey can provide the variety.
Shubham Dubey in SMAT 2024
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Innings | 4 |
Runs | 134 |
Strike-Rate | 181.08 |
Average | 67 |
The left-handed batter is known for his finishing skills along with clean hitting and he could play that role for RR along with Shimron Hetmyer this season. In 30 T20 matches so far, Shubham has scored his 652 runs at an average of 38.35 and at a strike-rate of 152.69. He did even better in the SMAT 2024, which shows that he is improving his game with each passing year, and this could be his breakthrough season.