Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made some smart acquisitions in the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction as they look to win their second title, with their only other trophy coming long ago in the inaugural edition.

Since they kept the core of their batting line-up intact, RR concentrated on strengthening their bowling attack. The 2008 IPL champions re-signed English fast bowler Jofra Archer, making him their most expensive acquisition at INR 12.5 crore. Additionally, they added Sri Lankan spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga to their team.

However, with only 4 overseas slots available, it will be interesting to see which foreign stars will make the cut in RR priority in IPL 2025. Let’s take a look.

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Jofra Archer

Jofra Archer was acquired by Rajasthan Royals for INR 12.5 crore during the IPL 2025 auction. Known for his blistering pace, pinpoint accuracy and devastating yorkers and bouncers, Archer excels in both the powerplay and death overs , making it a lethal weapon in the shortest format of the game.

Earlier, Archer was picked up by Mumbai Indians for INR 8 crore in the 2022 mega auction. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2022 season due to injuries and only featured in four matches in 2023 before being ruled out again. Between 2018 and 2021, Archer played for the Rajasthan Royals and took 48 wickets in 40 matches. Now reunited with RR, he is set to play a crucial role as a key bowler in the upcoming season.

Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer is the only player in this list and the only foreign cricketer retained by the franchise for IPL 2025 (for INR 11 crore). The Caribbean stalwart was initially purchased by RR in the IPL 2022 auction and has since become an integral cog in the franchise.

Hetmyer is a middle or lower-middle order batsman who is extremely powerful against pace and can play the finisher’s role to perfection. Furthermore, his game against spinners is also decent and adds the LHB dynamic to the batting unit.

Mahesh Theekshana

The Royals have strengthened their spin department with the inclusion of Sri Lankan player Maheesh Theekshana, who signed for INR 4.4 crore. Theekshana has previously played three seasons of IPL (2022-2024) with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In 27 IPL matches, he took 25 wickets, averaging over 30, including a standout performance with a four-wicket haul. Theekshana is expected to take on the role of the Royals’ main player.

Wanindu Hasaranga

The RR all-rounder, which fetched a whopping sum of INR 5.25 crore, occupies the last available overseas spot. Hasaranga’s well-rounded skills make him an invaluable asset to the team. Known for his exceptional wicket-taking abilities, the left-arm leg-spinner thrives on any surface, constantly challenging opposition batsmen.

Beyond his bowling, Hasaranga is a reliable batsman who strengthens the RR line-up by adding depth to the batting order. His ability to score quickly with powerful lower-order hitting makes him a crucial asset in pressure situations. With his all-round experience, he is expected to bring balance to the team and play a pivotal role for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2025.

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