IPL 2025: A Comprehensive SWOT Analysis and Optimal Playing XI for Rajasthan Royals | Cricket News

## IPL 2025: Comprehensive SWOT Analysis and Optimal Playing XI for Rajasthan Royals

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, the Rajasthan Royals stand poised as formidable contenders aiming for a coveted playoff berth. Historically, the Royals have seen various players take up the mantle of captaincy. However, since assuming leadership in 2021, wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has brought stability and leadership to the team, guiding them to the playoffs twice, including a notable final appearance against the Gujarat Titans in 2022. The Royals have wisely retained core talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer alongside their captain.

During the latest auction, Rajasthan strategically reinforced their squad by acquiring high-caliber players like Nitish Rana, Jofra Archer, and Wanindu Hasaranga, among others.

### Strengths:
The Rajasthan Royals’ primary strength lies in their robust batting lineup, featuring potent batsmen such as Samson, Jaiswal, and Parag. Samson’s impressive performances for India in the 2024 T20 Internationals hint at his potential impact alongside Jaiswal at the top of the order, promising to challenge any opposition’s bowling attack. Riyan Parag, having showcased his prowess in 2024, is also expected to contribute significantly with the bat this season.

### Weaknesses:
Despite a strategic auction approach, the Royals faced setbacks by losing star players like Jos Buttler, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin. While they secured the likes of spinners Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga, the absence of Chahal and Ashwin may affect their spin depth. Additionally, securing a fit-for-purpose overseas batter remains an unaddressed gap in their lineup.

### Opportunities:
The 2025 season presents a crucial opportunity for Jofra Archer to make a mark as he seeks to reignite his IPL career, which began with Rajasthan in 2018 before his release in 2022 due to injury concerns. Adding another layer of intrigue, 13-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, acquired for Rs 1.1 crore, is set to showcase his potential on this grand stage.

### Threats:
Consistent performance has historically been a challenge for the Royals, leading to missed opportunities. With the esteemed Rahul Dravid assuming the role of head coach, the team will aim to overcome this inconsistency and approach the tournament with renewed vigor.

### Rajasthan Royals’ Potential Strongest Playing XI:
– **Sanju Samson (c & wk)**
– **Yashasvi Jaiswal**
– **Riyan Parag**
– **Nitish Rana**
– **Shimron Hetmyer**
– **Dhruv Jurel**
– **Jofra Archer**
– **Wanindu Hasaranga**
– **Sandeep Sharma**
– **Maheesh Theekshana**
– **Akash Madhwal**

#### Impact Players:
– **Shubham Dubey**
– **Yuddhvir Singh Charak**

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