Who Makes It to Our All-Time IPL XI? - Rajasthan Royals
Shane Warne was the leader of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2008 (Source: Twitter)
After a hectic home season, it's time to celebrate the Indian summer with the grandest T20 extravaganza, the Indian Premier League. A first-of-its-kind tournament inaugurated in 2008, the IPL will see its sixteenth season underway from the 31st of this month.
Like the opening season, the first-ever IPL champions, Rajasthan Royals, also have a special place in every Indian cricket fanatic's heart. Led by the legendary Shane Warne, the Royals scripted history by lifting the IPL trophy in 2008 after defeating MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings.
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Despite failing to replicate the incredible feat since then, the 'Hallabol' army has been a vital element in the tournament's rich history, thanks to the T20 superstars who have represented the franchise.
So, before the showpiece event begins, let's analyse and form an all-time XI for the Rajasthan Royals.
Top Order: Jos Buttler, Ajinkya Rahane, Shane Watson
Some really big names, starting from Graeme Smith to the legendary Ben Stokes, have been a part of Rajasthan Royals. However, the trio that has helped the franchise reach unprecedented heights comprise Jos Buttler, Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson.
Top-order of Rajasthan Royals All-time XI (Source: OneCricket)
After blowing hot and cold for Mumbai Indians, Jos Buttler joined the Royals family in 2018 and as they say the rest is history. The swashbuckling English opener has established himself as the go-to-man for the franchise since then, scripting numerous memorable victories for them. Overall, the dynamic keeper-batter sits at number four in the list of most successful batters for the Royals with 2304 runs at a stunning average of 46.08 and a blistering strike rate of 150.59.
On a similar note, Ajinkya Rahane once used to be a vital cog in the Royals' setup during the pinnacle of his career. Rahane, who represented RR in seven IPL seasons between 2011 and 2019, has amassed 2810 runs, including two tons, at a healthy average of 34.27.
Speaking of Shane Watson, it will be blasphemous if he doesn't find a place in the Royals' all-time IPL XI, as he used to be their trump card before joining RCB and later CSK at the twilight of his career. Statistically, Watson finds himself amongst the top contributors with both bat and ball for the franchise with 2372 runs at a magnificent strike rate of 141.27 and 61 wickets to his name.
Middle-Order: Sanju Samson, Brad Hodge
It was Rajasthan Royals who believed in a rookie Sanju Samson, who has grown leaps and bounds over the years. From being the team's youngest member to lead it, his journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Overall, Samson has garnered 2849 runs for RR at a healthy strike rate of 137.90.
Rajasthan Royals All-time XI middle-order (Source: OneCricket)
To support Samson, we have added swashbuckling Australian finisher Brad Hodge to the side, as he aced his role for the Royals in his brief IPL career. Despite playing 33 games, Hodge was impactful, as he slammed 639 runs at an average of 35.50 and an impressive strike rate of 137.42.
Finishers: Yusuf Pathan, Stuart Binny
The older of the Pathan brothers, Yusuf Pathan, played a pivotal role for Rajasthan Royals during the initial years. Yusuf, who once stunned the mighty Mumbai Indians with a 37-ball hundred, has smashed 1011 runs for the Royals at a gruesome strike rate of 161.24.
Rajasthan Royals Finishers (Source: OneCricket)
On the other hand, Stuart Binny had his moments as a useful seam-bowling all-rounder for the franchise, garnering 731 runs and scalping 17 wickets.
Spinners: Shane Warne, Shreyas Gopal
It is impossible to leave out the legendary Shane Warne from RR's all-time XI, as he not only led them to their solitary IPL title till date, but also emerged as their wrecker-in-chief with the ball, claiming 57 wickets.
Rajasthan Royals all-time XI spinners (Source: OneCricket)
Meanwhile, Shreyas Gopal, during his stint with the Royals, led their spin attack to perfection, scalping 41 wickets.
Pacers: Siddharth Trivedi, Munaf Patel
Former Indian pacer Munaf Patel leads the pace attack for us, as he was an integral part of the RR pace battery in their triumphant season in 2008. Overall, Patel has 33 wickets to his name for Rajasthan Royals.
Rajasthan Royals all-time XI pacers (Source: OneCricket)
Similarly, Siddharth Trivedi was an unsung hero for the Royals during his playing days. Statistically, the right-arm pacer is still one of the most successful bowlers in the Royals' history, with 65 wickets.
Rajasthan Royals all-time XI (Source: OneCricket)
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