New Delhi: Former Indian cricketer Akash Chopra has expressed concern over the structure of Rajasthan Royals team before IPL 2025, he has questioned whether the team has become weak after the mega auction.

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra reported that RR's decision to separate from major players like Jose Butler, Trent Bolt, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin has clearly evacuated him, which has not been adequately filled.

Chopra said, “He lost his four biggest players, but replacement is not even close to him. It is a completely Indian batting lineup except Shimron Hetmyer. You did not choose a foreign batsman, which is quite surprising.” Rajasthan Royals retained Samson, Ryan Parag, Dhruv Jurlel, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer before going to the auction. However, despite having a huge amount, he did not choose a high-profile foreign batsman.

Instead, he focused on strengthening his bowling attack, including Jofra Archer (Rs 12.50 crore), Vanindu Hasranga (Rs 5.25 crore), Mahesh Deekshana (Rs 4.40 crore), Fazalhak Farooqui (Rs 2 crore) and young South African fast bowler Qaina Mafa (Rs 1.50 crore).

However, Chopra reported that RR still lacks a high quality all -rounder, which was also harassing him in the previous season. He said, “Most teams have a strong all -rounder who gives flexibility in the team combination. Rajasthan did not have the same last year, and it seems that they are in the same position again. Hasranga is not really an all -rounder at the IPL level. He has performed well with the ball many times, but as a batsman, he has not done well.”

Chopra believes that the RR Pace Department is highly dependent on Jofra Archer, but the long history of pacer's injuries can put them in trouble. He said, “Archer's recent form and injuries make him risky bets. If he does not perform well, Rajasthan may be in great difficulty.”

Rajasthan Royals will launch their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on 23 March.