Loading NewKerala.com...

IPL 2025: Aakash Chopra questions Rajasthan Royals squad balance

IANS March 18, 2025 95 views

Former cricket expert Aakash Chopra has raised serious doubts about Rajasthan Royals' squad composition for IPL 2025. He critically analyzes the team's auction strategy, pointing out significant gaps in their lineup, particularly in overseas batting and all-rounder roles. Chopra highlights the team's risky dependency on players like Jofra Archer, whose fitness has been inconsistent. The critique suggests Rajasthan Royals might struggle to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming tournament.

"They lost four of their biggest players, but the replacements aren't even close to them" - Aakash Chopra
New Delhi, March 18: Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Rajasthan Royals' squad composition ahead of IPL 2025, questioning whether the team has weakened itself after the mega auction.

Key Points

1

Chopra questions RR's lack of high-quality overseas batting options

2

Team missing strong all-rounder with proven IPL credentials

3

Jofra Archer's fitness remains a significant concern for Rajasthan

In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra pointed out that RR's decision to part ways with key players like Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin has left them with glaring gaps that haven't been adequately filled.

"They lost four of their biggest players, but the replacements aren't even close to them. It's a completely Indian batting lineup, apart from Shimron Hetmyer. You didn't pick any overseas batter, which is quite surprising," Chopra said.

Rajasthan Royals had retained Samson, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shimron Hetmyer before heading into the auction. However, despite having a significant purse, they made no high-profile overseas batting additions.

Instead, they focused on strengthening their bowling attack, bringing in Jofra Archer (Rs 12.50 crore), Wanindu Hasaranga (Rs 5.25 crore), Maheesh Theekshana (Rs 4.40 crore), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Rs 2 crore), and young South African pacer Kwena Maphaka (Rs 1.50 crore).

However, Chopra pointed out that RR still lacks a high-quality all-rounder, something that had troubled them even in the previous season. "Most teams have a strong all-rounder who allows flexibility in team combinations. Rajasthan didn't have that last year, and it looks like they're in the same position again. Hasaranga is not really an all-rounder at the IPL level. He has done well with the ball at times, but as a batter, he hasn't fired," he noted.

Chopra believes that RR is over-reliance on Jofra Archer in the pace department but the pacer's long history of injuries could put them in trouble.

"Archer's recent form and injuries make him a risky bet. If he doesn't perform, Rajasthan could be in big trouble," he added.

Rajasthan Royals will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with an away fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.

Tags:
You May Like!