Among the most consistent teams in the previous cycle, Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a star-studded team with several match winners. The mega auction is probably the worst time for them as they had an established core with specialists who performed exceptionally well in each role.

However, they have finally set their holds and made some interesting decisions ahead of the auction. While some names are in the expected line, RR has ignored some big names to hold the portfolio.

Focus on batting stars in limited-overs category

1. Sanju Samson

As expected, Sanju Samson is Rajasthan Royals’ first retainer and will earn INR 18 crore next season. He is among the best batting talents in the country and will continue to play as a batsman while leading the team.

He is an excellent pace and spin player and can be flexible with his batting position. A proven IPL performer, Samson’s name at the top is not surprising.

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the country’s best young talent, is another obvious choice and will be the second retention. A quintessential opening batsman, Jaiswal can pace and spin deftly and bat at different speeds.

He was among their most consistent batsmen in the previous cycle and will also take the LHB factor to the top, providing variety to the batting unit. It will be a long-term investment.

3. Riyan Parag

After years of investment, Riyan Parag finally performed to expectations last season, finishing as RR’s leading run-scorer. Furthermore, he can also contribute with the ball and has age on his side, which makes him a long-term investment.

Parag is a great pace player and can catch them from the first ball, while his spin game is also constantly improving. His investment hints at RR’s plan to retain the batting core with the future in mind.

4. Shimron Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer is Rajasthan Royals’ fourth retention. A solid pace player, Hetmyer can bat in the middle or lower middle order and give impetus to the innings in the death overs.

He is a proven finisher in the league and played a crucial role in RR’s success in the last cycle. Hetmyer’s retention shows that RR is sticking to a tried and tested formula.

5. Dhruv Trevally

Dhruv Jurel will be Rajasthan Royals’ fifth retention. He was one of the most promising hitters of the previous cycle.

He can also keep wickets and bat anywhere in the lower order. It will be a long-term investment.

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Experienced sprinter in the unlimited category.

1. Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma is the only uncapped retainer on RR’s list ahead of the auction. He was a revelation in the previous two editions and emerged as an all-format pacer for the Royals.

He can bowl skillfully in the middle and death overs and remain economical without wasting an overseas slot. Its auction value could be around the retention slab, so it is advisable to hold it at INR 4 crore.

The retention strategy

The RR strategy is quite simple and understandable, except for a couple of big names. The two big names they have excluded are Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal.

As for Jos, his recent injury problems could be one of the main reasons behind his exclusion as the England Cricket Board (ECB) will be cautious with his load management once he returns. Therefore, its availability may be a topic from the next edition.

Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal may return at a lower price despite his superior skills. Leg-spinners and non-batters are unlikely to get a huge amount as there are several such players available in the pool.

RR has no right to match (RTM) for their first choice players who couldn’t find a way to get on the retention list. They will have to bid for each one of them to be able to recover them.

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