Rajasthan Royals have not had as good a tournament as they would have loved in the IPL 2025. In their 6 matches, the inaugural champions have claimed 2 wins and suffered 4 losses. With a negative net run rate of -0.838, the 2022 runner-ups are placed 8th in the points table. They desperately need a massive turnaround to stay around the top half of the table.
RR has a good batting unit on paper. While the same cannot be said about their bowling, there seems to be a lack of execution from some of their bowlers, which hasn’t done a great deal. Even in the batting unit, some of the batters who must have come good have not had a good tournament. These are some of the reasons behind their current situation in the points table.
Also Read: What should be the masterplan for CSK to ensure they stay safe from elimination?
Going forward, the Rajasthan-based franchise might have to make some changes, have better usage of players, and give proper clarity to their players, to get the best out of themselves as a team. In a long tournament like the IPL, there are many instances where teams have made a comeback after losing a lot of matches in their first half. For RR to join the list, they must follow a master plan of three steps.
Three ways in which RR can bounce back and qualify for the playoffs in the IPL 2025:
3. Better usage of Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande, one of the best uncapped Indian bowlers in the IPL 2023 and 2024, has not been used well by RR in the 2025 season. The right-arm pacer is a natural new-ball bowler with a genuine outswinger at a good pace. On helpful surfaces, his seam position can be lethal. Likewise, he can execute yorkers well and stop runs at the death.
However, RR has not designated him for a particular role. Deshpande was a first change against SRH and GT, bowled with the new ball against CSK, bowled just an over against KKR, and two overs against RCB, respectively. A better usage of this uncapped bowler could be crucial for RR, which could solve the problem of a supportive pacer for Jofra Archer.
2. Improvements in fielding
Fielding is one of the key aspects of the game apart from batting and bowling. By default, a cricketer must be a good fielder before his skills as a batter, or as a bowler, or as both. However, IPL 2025 has witnessed arguably the worst display of fielding in almost all teams in an edition. RR has not been any different as they have had their share of poor fielding.
Be it ground fielding, catching, throwing, and direct hits, they have failed as a unit collectively. In the majority of their matches, RR have dropped at least 2 catches, which has affected the result of their matches. If things continue to stay so, they will face severe consequences. However, if RR improve their fielding, it can help them get better as a unit.
1. Role clarity for Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag
Role Clarity is an important factor in T20 cricket. RR have failed to do so regarding two of their key batters. Due to their obsession over the left-right combination, RR has rotated Nitish Rana and Riyan Parag at number 3 and 4 based on the fall of wickets. If Sanju Samson perishes early, Parag replaces him at 3. Likewise, if Yashasvi Jaiswal perishes early, Nitish Rana bats at 3.
While this sounds good and interesting on paper, it creates more doubts in the minds of the players. Sometimes, one might have to play under a collapse, or play in the Powerplay overs, which need different skills opposed to a middle overs batter. Parag and Rana must be provided a clarity over their roles, which could help them to be the better version of themselves.
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