Rajasthan Royals are in the hunt for their 2nd IPL title. They made a few expensive purchases at the 2021 auctions. RR have roped in Kumar Sangakkara as their Director of Cricket Operations. They will be missing Jofra Archer for the first 4 games. His absence will disturb the balance of the squad. We look at the gems and duds of RR this season.
StumpsandBails brings to you whom we believe will be the Studs and Duds of RR in IPL 2021:
Studs:
#3 Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag is one of the most promising young Indian batsmen. He played a couple of crucial knocks last year to help RR seal improbable wins. Parag looked in fine touch in the first game against Punjab Kings. As long as Parag stayed in the crease victory was well within the reach of Royals. He will be expected to carry Royals over the line more often than not in IPL 2021.
#2 Chetan Sakariya
Chetan Sakariya was labelled as Saurashtra’s best T20 bowler currently. He lived up to the promise and reputation in his very first game in IPL. In a match where nearly 440 runs were scored. Sakariya conceded just 31 runs and picked up 3 wickets. He was always in the contest and looked hungry to make an impression. He might just be the find of IPL 2021.
#1 Sanju Samson
RR appointed Sanju Samson as their captain this season. Samson has been a regular member of the Royals since 2013. He is now one of the senior members of the team. A lot is riding on Samson’s shoulders this season. He has started the tournament on a great note smashing a brilliant 119 against Punjab Kings. A consistent show from classy Samson will be the icing on the cake.
Duds:
#3 Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube was one of the most hyped cricketers in recent times. He was looked in as Hardik Pandya’s long-term replacement. But Dube neither had the talent nor the temperament of Hardik Pandya to succeed at the international level. He was soon found out even in the IPL. RCB released Dube ahead of 2021 auctions. RR acquired Dube in the auctions. But he seems to be struggling with timing the ball. It will be tough for him to leave an impression this season too.
#2 Rahul Tewatia
Rahul Tewatia had a breakthrough IPL 2020. He finished games with the bat for RR, took brilliant catches, and bowled economic spells. Tewatia was one of their MVPs last year. But fitness issues seemed to have caught up with him. It will be difficult for him to replicate his brilliance with both bat and ball this season.
#1 Jaydev Unadkat
Jaydev Unadkat in many sense has been RR’s face in the last couple of seasons. His inability to bowl at the death has made him an easy target for oppositions. RR keeps persisting with him every season in the hope that he will come good this year. But even their patience might be wearing thin this year. Unadkat may not even get a game in IPL 2021.
