Rajasthan Royals (RR) will enter the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 with a renewed sense of determination, eager to secure their second IPL title after their triumph in 2008. Despite a strong start in IPL 2024, the team faltered in the latter half, missing out on a deep playoff run. This setback prompted significant reinforcements at the 2025 mega auction, ensuring a well-balanced squad that can handle pressure situations better. The frustration of not converting potential into success has fueled their desire to go all the way this season.
Strategic leadership shift: Rahul Dravid’s influence
A major change for RR in IPL 2025 is the appointment of Rahul Dravid as head coach. Dravid’s arrival signals a shift in tactical approach, emphasizing mental resilience, adaptability, and strategic consistency – areas where Rajasthan have struggled in previous seasons. His vast coaching experience, including guiding India to multiple ICC finals, is expected to bring much-needed stability and direction to the team. With Sanja Samson retaining captaincy, the Royals now have a strong leadership duo aiming to instill discipline and execute match-winning strategies.
Core players and key additions strengthening RR
RR have retained a solid core, with Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag and Dhruv jurel forming the backbone of their batting unit. These players have been instrumental in Rajasthan’s recent campaigns, providing explosiveness at the top and stability in the middle order.
To strengthen their squad further, RR made two significant signings at the auction:
- Jofra Archer – The return of Archer adds raw pace and firepower to the bowling attack. If fully fit, his ability to bowl quick, aggressive spells in the powerplay and at the death will be a game-changer. His presence also provides much-needed balance to the fast-bowling unit, which lacked consistency last season.
- Nitish Rana – A valuable left-handed batter who can slot in both at the top and in the middle order. Rana’s aggressive batting style and ability to counter spin make him a versatile asset in RR’s lineup.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) player salaries for IPL 2025
- Sanja Samson – INR 18 crore
- Yashasvi jaiswal – INR 18 crore
- Riyan parag – INR 14 crore
- Dhruv jurel – INR 14 crore
- Shimron Hetmyer (overseas) – INR 11 crore
- Sandeep Sharma – INR 4 crore
- Jofra Archer (overseas) – INR 12.50 crore
- Mahesh theeekshana (overseas) – INR 4.40 crore
- Wannics harang (overseas) – INR 5.25 crore
- Akash Madhwal – INR 1.20 crore
- Kumar kartikeya – Inr 30 LAKH
- Nitish Rana – INR 4.20 crore
- Tushar deshpande – INR 6.50 crore
- Shubham dubey – Inr 80 LAKH
- Yudhvir charak – Inr 35 LAKH
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Overseas) – INR 2 crore
- Vaibhav suryavanshi – INR 1.10 crore
- Increase (Overseas) – INR 1.50 crore
- Kunal Rathore – Inr 30 LAKH
- Ashok Sharma – Inr 30 LAKH
