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Opinion
This is my prediction of how Rajasthan will line up in the 2022 IPL.
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal was a pleasant surprise for the Rajasthan Royals. He really showed his potential in the match against the Chennai Super Kings and that is perhaps the reason why he was retained in the Rajasthan squad.
With the ability of hitting the ball for long distances from the first ball, he will also be in consideration for national selection and can help Rajasthan to become one of the most potent top orders in the tournament.
Alternatives: N/A as he was retained
2. Jos Buttler (vice-captain)
Not much needs it be said about Jos Buttler’s retention. He is one of the best T20 players at the moment.
It was a no-brainer and he is likely to be part of the leadership group due to his experience and pedigree.
Alternatives: N/A as he was retained
(Photo by Michael Steele-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
3. Sanju Samson (captain) (wicketkeeper)
Sanju Samson is one of those stories where everyone wonders about his ability to fulfil his wonderful potential.
But last season he finally managed to become more consistent after being made captain and that is something he would like to continue. He also showed great potential for a number three option and will form a great top order for Rajasthan.
Alternatives: N/A as he was retained
4. Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma showed glimpses of great potential at the Sunrisers, but just was not utilised to the full extent, both due to a lack of experience and team balance.
However, the youngster will feel more at ease knowing there are more experienced internationals at three and five, which will give him freedom to play.
He can also improve his bowling with the abundance of spinners if Rajasthan go for this side.
Alternatives: Mandeep Singh and Rahul Tripathi
5. Ben Stokes
One of the best all-rounders in the world, Ben Stokes was unavailable last season due to injury. That is perhaps one of the main reasons why Rajasthan failed to make the playoffs, due to his solid middle-order form and his finishing role.
Ben Stokes will be the backbone of the Rajasthan Royals and there will be every effort made to bring him back.
Alternatives: Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis
(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
6. Krishnappa Gowtham
Krishnappa Gowtham was a good memory for the Rajasthan Royals and was spoken about in the retention phase.
He has shown great potential with the ball and is capable of quite handy knocks with the bat.
Alternatives: Krunal Pandya and Rahul Tewatia
7. Mitchell Santner
Perhaps one of the most under-utilised players at Chennai, he will be more useful on the pitches of Jaipur where he proved to be economical and dangerous against India recently.
Santner is also capable with the bat but Rajasthan will really take advantage of his spin bowling to make themselves one of the more potent bowling attacks.
Alternatives: Rahul Tewatia and Mohammad Nabi
8. Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat has earned fortunes from the Rajasthan Royals after their continued faith in him, though some would say he still has not paid back that faith to the Rajasthan Royals.
But he did prove to be more economical and potent in the past couple of seasons, and if he can be bought for cheaper – which is plausible due to a high number of Indian domestic pacers – there is still motivation for them to buy him back.
Alternatives: Deepak Chahar and Shardul Thakur
9. Khaleel Ahmed
One of the few local players originating from Rajasthan, if picked, Khaleel will attempt to maximise his pace and exploit the conditions at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium at Jaipur.
Alternatives: Navdeep Saini and Thangarasu Natarajan
(Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
10. Mustafizur Rahman
‘The Fizz’ was on and off from the Rajasthan side, primarily due to Chris Morris and team balance, but less due to his own performances.
With more experience, he has managed to retain his lethality and even developed as a player with more variations in terms of speed and length.
He will be again sought after in the IPL and will be a regular feature in Rajasthan’s XI if he is picked by them again.
Alternatives: Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc
11. Yuzvendra Chahal
Yuzvendra Chahal is arguably the best leg spinner in India, which is why his non-retention at Royal Challengers Bangalore was a bit of a surprise.
Someone like Rajasthan, who have always struggled with quality spinning options, will try to maximise that opportunity even if they would want to spend quite a considerable amount of their auction money on them.
Alternatives: Kuldeep Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin
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