Rajasthan Royals were one of the big favorites to win the IPL 2024 title as they continued to rack up wins with excellent performances in all departments. However, the Sanju Samson-led team was stopped just a step short of the final by a wily Sunrisers Hyderabad and lost Qualifier 2 by 36 runs.

The management identified their brilliant performances as the franchise retained most of the core for IPL 2025. The Royals focused on keeping the batting column intact while retaining Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer along with key pacer Sandeep. Sharma.

Apart from the top spot, they also had the services of Nitish Rana, who has been a consistent performer for Kolkata Knight Riders for seven seasons.

Here’s what Royals’ Top 7 could look like in IPL 2025.

Sanju Samson

The skipper set an example in the previous edition as his fluid hitting at the top of the order allowed the likes of Hetmyer and Parag to go on a rampage at the end. The wicketkeeper-batsman amassed 531 runs at a magnificent average of 48.27 which included five fifties that steadily put his team in the race for the top spot in the table.

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In addition to his batting exploits, Samson displayed excellent strategic acumen with his fielding placements and bowling changes throughout the season. His form on the international circuit has been sensational as he recently smashed two T20I hundreds against South Africa.

Yashaswi Jaiswal

The 23-year-old is in the form of his life as he was among the few bright spots in India’s 1-3 defeat in the Border Gavaskar Trophy with 391 runs, including a match-winning 161 in the second innings of the first over. proof. in Perth. Although he was not among the Royals’ best players last season, his tally of 435 runs in 15 innings was crucial in the team reaching the play-offs. This time it comes with a burgeoning reputation and thus has raised expectations.

Riyan Parag

Parag was the lynchpin of the Royals’ batting last season as he was the scourge of the bowlers with a total of 573 runs in 14 innings, second only to Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli. The other members of the team also scored more and faster, but Parag’s calming influence was key to their collective consistency.

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His performances also earned him a call-up from India to Sri Lanka, where he played the role of the team’s all-rounder. The responsibility of anchoring the innings will once again fall on Parag this season.

nitish frog

They don’t make players like Nitish Rana anymore. Rana, one of the unsung heroes of KKR’s title run last year, has stepped up for whatever role the team has asked of him. He can play anywhere in the batting order and has also captained KKR on a few occasions. Not retaining him for next season will be a loss for KKR and a gain for RR. Although he is at his best in the top 4, Rana’s utility can also play the role of a genuine finisher for the Royals who desperately need one.

Dhruv Jhurel

One of the wicketkeeper-batsmen in India’s talent pool, Jhurel is a sure bet in the middle order for the Royals, who will surely benefit from his presence. He was excellent in the lower middle order last year with 195 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 138. His ability to keep wickets can allow captain Samson to be much more active with his field placements and chats with the bowler .

Shimron Hetmyer

Capable of changing the face of a match in a few deliveries, Shimron Hetmyer’s ability offers any T20 team to have him in their playing eleven. Despite playing primarily in the lower order for six IPL seasons, the Guyanese batsman has over 1,000 runs and a strike rate of 153.

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The left-hander’s explosive hitting helped the Royals put up big totals last season and it’s clear why he was on the list of retained players. He is still busy playing for franchises around the world and hopes to deliver soon in IPL 2025.

Wanindu Hasaranga

The Sri Lankan is renowned for his match-winning spells with his deadly spin, but he is no slouch with the bat. The 27-year-old has 2,320 runs in 162 T20 innings and possesses a strike rate of 145, making him ideal for the No. 7 spot. He is most valuable for his bowling this season, but will surely be expected to light up the deaths as well. overs with his batting.

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