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August 17, 2024
Rajasthan Royals (RR) is a Jaipur-based franchise cricket team that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Founded in 2008, RR is known for discovering hidden talent and achieved success by winning the inaugural IPL under Shane Warne’s captaincy. Despite challenges, including a two-year suspension, RR made strong comebacks, finishing as runners-up in the 2022 IPL. In 2024, they reached the playoffs under Sanju Samson’s captaincy and Kumar Sangakkara’s leadership. Still, they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 by 36 runs. Their home matches are played at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur and ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in September 2007, with the first season held in 2008. Rajasthan Royals, one of the original eight teams, was acquired by Emerging Media for $67 million, making it the least expensive team. As of 2024, the team is primarily owned by Royals Sports Group with 65% ownership, while minority stakes are held by Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners. Despite past ownership controversies, RR has remained a competitive team in the IPL.
In 2010, the BCCI expelled Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab from the IPL, causing confusion and leading to suspicions from RR captain Shane Warne. The Royals challenged the decision in the Bombay High Court, which delayed the case due to Diwali. Eventually, the Royals negotiated with an arbitrator, securing a temporary stay to participate in the player auction. The High Court later ruled to keep the Royals in the IPL, leading the BCCI to drop further legal action, allowing the team to remain in the league.
In 2015, Rajasthan Royals were banned for two years following the Lodha Committee’s investigation into the IPL betting scandal. The controversy arose from fictitious bids and undisclosed ownership details, violating BCCI norms. Ranjit Barthakur and Fraser Castellino were revealed as the sole shareholders, a fact unknown to the BCCI. Additionally, co-owner Raj Kundra received a lifetime ban. Despite an out-of-court settlement, the team’s suspension marked a significant setback, leading to their absence from the 2016 and 2017 IPL seasons.
2024 IPL season
The Royals had a solid start to their season, winning their first four matches. Their winning streak ended with a narrow loss to the Titans on the last ball of the game. They quickly bounced back with a close victory against Punjab. In their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Royals matched the highest-ever chase in IPL history, scoring 224/8 thanks to Jos Buttler’s unbeaten 107. They continued their winning form but eventually faced a losing streak after winning seven matches. However, they still made it to the playoffs.
In the eliminator round, the Royals defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore to advance to Qualifier 2. Unfortunately, they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 36 runs in that match. Riyan Parag was the team’s top run-scorer of the season with 573 runs, while Avesh Khan was their leading wicket-taker with 19 wickets.
Rajasthan Royals began their 2023 IPL campaign with an impressive 72-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. A standout performance came from young Yashasvi Jaiswal, whose exceptional form was a significant highlight for the team. Jaiswal, who won the ‘Emerging Player of the Season’ award, scored 625 runs in 14 matches, boasting a remarkable average of 48.07 and a strike rate 163.61. His performance was a critical factor in RR’s success that season.
On November 30, 2021, ahead of the IPL 2022 Auction, Rajasthan Royals retained three key players: captain Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal, releasing the rest of the squad from 2021. After a strong league performance, finishing second in the points table, the Royals fell short, losing to Gujarat Titans twice—first in Qualifier 1 and then in the final, finishing as runners-up. Despite the losses, Jos Buttler earned the MVP and Orange Cap, while Yuzvendra Chahal won the Purple Cap.
On January 20, 2021, before the IPL 2021 Auction, Rajasthan Royals released eight players, including their captain Steve Smith. On the same day, they announced that Sanju Samson would take over as captain for the upcoming season.
Ahead of the 2020 IPL Auction, Rajasthan Royals retained 11 players and released 11. They traded Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, and Dhawal Kulkarni to Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, and Mumbai Indians, respectively, and acquired Mayank Markande, Rahul Tewatia, and Ankit Rajpoot. Andrew McDonald replaced Paddy Upton as head coach, with Steve Smith continuing as captain. Despite a strong start, winning their first two matches, the Royals struggled, ending at the bottom of the points table with six wins from 14 games. Jofra Archer was named the season’s most valuable player.
The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings, known as the Northern Derby, has been intense and high-scoring. Out of 25 matches played, the Royals have won 14, while the Kings have claimed 11 victories.
One of the most memorable moments in this rivalry occurred during the fourth match of the 2019 season. Ravichandran Ashwin, then playing for Punjab, ran out Jos Buttler at the non-striker’s end, which sparked significant tensions between the teams.
In 2020, Punjab Kings set a challenging target of 223/2 thanks to a superb opening stand by KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Rajasthan Royals started their chase well but lost momentum as wickets fell and the required run rate increased. Rahul Tewatia, initially struggling with just 8 runs off 19 balls, hit five sixes in an over from Sheldon Cottrell. Tom Curran then scored the winning runs in the final over, leading Rajasthan to a remarkable comeback victory. This was the most successful run chase in IPL history until Punjab Kings broke that record in 2024.
Rajasthan Royals Batters: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Kunal Rathore, Donovan Ferreira, Rovman Powell, Shubham Dubey and Tom Kohler-cadmore
Rajasthan Royals All Rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Tanush Kotian, and Abin Mushtaq
Rajasthan Royals Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Keshav Maharaj, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal and Nandre Burger
In the IPL 2024 season, Rajasthan Royals secured a top 3 position, showcasing a consistent and powerful performance throughout the tournament. Key victories against solid teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians solidified their standing. The Royals’ balanced squad, featuring standout players like Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal, played crucial roles in their success, ensuring they remained competitive against formidable opponents. This achievement marks one of their best seasons since their inaugural win 2008, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in the IPL.
Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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