IPL 2023 | A Tale of Two Halves - Rajasthan Royals

image-lhpzl7a1RCB demolished Rajasthan at Jaipur on Sunday (AP Photo)

One of the most beloved Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) came into the current season with high hopes and aspirations, looking to go one step beyond their last year's standing. The one-time champion and 2022 runner's up, as always looked settled and did not fiddle around with the core players, and ended up adding improvement to their squad for the latest edition.

One of the most beloved Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) came into the current season with high hopes and aspirations, looking to go one step beyond their last year's standing. The one-time champion and 2022 runner's up, as always looked settled and did not fiddle around with the core players, and ended up adding improvement to their squad for the latest edition.

Let's have a read into how from almost being untouchable in the first half of IPL 2023, the Royals have struggled to find their footing, and are on the brink of missing out on a playoff spot.


The RISE

A lot of success as a team in the T20 format apart from overall skills, also depends on momentum, something that the Rajasthan rode in their first five matches. The Sanju Samson-led XI displayed aggressive, disciplined, and near-perfect cricket to rattle their opponents to look like a well-gelled unit.

The likes of Jos Buttler and Trent Boult came out all guns blazing, which ensured Royals' young brigade played without much pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel came good for the franchise, and absorbed pressure like a sponge.

The experience of Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal spun the web around opposition, where batters did not find any leverage. 

Samson's captaincy too was on-point on most occasions, with his field and bowling changes.

Rajasthan after five IPL matches had four wins and one loss and were sitting comfortably on top. 


The RISE FALL

The wheels for fortune suddenly turned on the Royals, who found themselves losing matches from winning positions, which earlier went in their favour. Batters mainly Buttler, Samson, and Shimron Hetmyer lost their form in unison, which demanded a lot from the bowling.

The sharpness in bowling also suffered a dip, Boult remained unavailable for a few matches, Ashwin lost his midas touch, and most importantly, a lack of a second genuine pacer hurt RR the most. 

The main reason behind the Royals' success in IPL 2022, was Prasidh Krishna, who in alliance with Boult, provided his side consistent breakthroughs, which Sandeep Sharma, KM Asif, and Jason Holder have struggled.

Sanju's captaincy has also been questionable, where he has failed to make proper bowling changes, and more importantly, found it tough to maintain high levels of intensity on the field. 

Their last match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) showcased how a side that began the season dominating others, looked outmatched and emitted lack of confidence.

Rajasthan post their dominant run, has lost six and won only two matches, placing them sixth in the points table, still having a whisker of a chance to make it into the playoffs.

They play their final league match against  Punjab Kings on Friday, who have an extra match in hand.