Who Are The Costliest Buys for Rajasthan Royals?
Rajasthan Royals IPL 2022 (Source: Twitter)
The first ever champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2008), Rajasthan Royals' journey has been full of highs and lows. From lifting the trophy in the inaugural edition, to being suspended for two years and then making it to the finals in IPL 2022, the Royals have seen it all.
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During these journey of 13 years, Rajasthan Royals have mostly trusted on utility players instead of running behind big names. But sometimes, even they have showed intent while going after certain players that they thought would be an ideal fit in their squad.
In this article, we will take a look at the most expensive buys ever in the history of Rajasthan Royals in IPL.
5. Jofra Archer (INR 7.2 Cr)
The English speedster was snapped up by the Royals in the auction prior to IPL 2017 for INR 7.2 Cr. Jofra Archer was yet prove his mettle in the international arena at this moment but has displayed excellent skills in the little exposure that he got.
Jofra Archer was bought by Rajasthan Royals prior to IPL 2017 (Source: Twitter)
Archer went onto play 35 matches for the team and picked up 46 wickets in them. He had an excellent strike rate of 17.93 and an impressive economy rate of 7.13. However, he was released prior to the mega-auction of IPL 2022 and was bought by Mumbai Indians for a price of INR 8 Cr.
4. Sanju Samson (INR 8 Cr)
Sanju Samson emerged as the talented youngster during his initial stint with the Rajasthan Royals. He was a part of the Delhi Capitals set-up when the Royals were suspended for a couple of seasons. During the mega-auction prior to IPL 2018, the Royals were bent on signing him back. They paid a whopping amount of INR 8 Cr to sign him back.
Sanju Samson has been an integral part of the Rajasthan Royals' set up (Source: Twitter/@cricbuzz)
Sanju Samson is a still part of the Royals and is currently the skipper of the team. So far, Samson has played 110 matches for the team and has scored 2849 runs in them at a strike rate of 137.90. The team management will hope that he completes what was not achieved in the last season and brings the trophy for the second time.
3. Jaydev Unadkat (INR 11.5 Cr in IPL 2018) and (INR 8.4 Cr in IPL 2019)
Jaydev Unadkat was bought by Rajasthan Royals during the IPL 2018 auctions for INR 11.5 Cr. This came after he was in pretty high demand because of his performances in the previous two seasons with the Rising Pune Supergiants. But the Royals released him after 2018 season and broke the bank once again (INR 8.4 Cr) to secure his services for the 2019 season.
Jaydev Unadkat is the third most costliest buy for the Rajasthan Royals (Source: Twitter/@ESPNcricinfo)
Unadkat played 39 matches for the Royals and picked up 29 wickets in them at a strike rate of 27.66. His economy has been in general on the higher side for the franchise, but that might be accorded to the fact that he was mostly given the death overs to bowl. In IPL 2023, Unadkat will be donning the Lucknow Super Giants' colours. He was bought for INR 50 Lakhs by the Super Giants.
2. Ben Stokes (INR 12.5 Cr)
If you talk about an example of a three dimensional cricketer, Ben Stokes would be the best. The English all-rounder was bought by Rajasthan Royals for INR 12.5 Cr in the IPL 2018 auctions. He played 31 matches for the team scoring 604 runs in them at a strike rate of 130.45.
Ben Stokes is the second most costliest buy for the Rajasthan Royals (Source: Twitter/@Cricketracker)
After his match-winning knock in the T20 World Cup finals it was almost certain that Stokes will once again be in high demand during the IPL 2023 auction. The rumours about him going for a high price turned out to be true as he was bought for INR 16.25 Cr by by Chennai Super Kings. This year he will be seen in the yellow jersey and CSK will hope that he gives the returns as per the investment that has bee made on him.
1.Chris Morris (INR 16.25 Cr)
The South African all-rounder was making the news for his performances ahead of the IPL 2021 auctions. Rajasthan Royals had their strategy set to pick him up at any cost. The Royals paid a big amount of INR 16.25 for Chris Morris ahead of IPL 2021.
Chris Morris is the most costliest buy in Rajasthan Royals' history (Source: Twitter/@ProteasMenCSA)
Morris played 22 matches for the Royals and scored 143 runs in them at a strike rate of 150.53. He also picked up 28 wickets for them at a strike rate of 17.79 and an economy rate of 8.28. The South African all-rounder has announced his retirement from all forms cricket very recently in 2022.
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