New Delhi: The excitement surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 mega auction is building with every passing day. Anticipation and speculation surrounding retention and Right-to-Match (RTM) picks are mounting as teams work out their strategy for the upcoming season.
Amidst all the IPL retention reports and rumours, Rajasthan Royals (RR), reportedly have finalised their retention list. According to a report in India Today, skipper Sanju Samson, opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and all-rounder Riyan Parag are picked as the three players on the retention list.
Rahul Dravid, India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning coach and a former Rajasthan Royals player, will return to the franchise as head coach. The Royals roped in the legendary Indian cricketer in a bid to end a 16-year trophy drought. Since winning the IPL title in the inaugural 2008 season, the Royals have failed to claim IPL glory.
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The return of Dravid raised expectations of a major overhaul in the squad. However, the current retention strategy reflects the mindset of the new coaching set-up which wants to focus on a strong foundation for the team.
RR’s Retention and RTM Picks
The first name on the list is skipper Sanju Samson, who is set to lead RR again in the upcoming season. Looking at Samson’s recent form, it’s a no-brainer for RR to retain him. The Kerala wicket-keeper batter has been in sensational form for India, recently scoring a stunning 111 off 47 balls against Bangladesh in a T20I in Hyderabad. The RR team management would be hoping that Samson replicates his prolific form in IPL 2025 as well.
Sanju Samson hit maiden T20I hundred against Bangladesh in third T20I. (Photo-Getty)
22-year-old batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal is another obvious choice for retention. Jaiswal, despite not being at his best, scored 435 runs in IPL 2024. He has carried his IPL form into international cricket and it’s no surprise that the RR are banking on his form and ability to deliver the goods in IPL 2025.
Meanwhile, Riyan Parag is also likely to be retained by the Royals in IPL 2024 auction. Parag enjoyed a memorable IPL 2024 campaign, amassing 573 runs in 15 matches. Courtesy of his IPL displays, he was called up to the India squad where he impressed with his batting and bowling skills.
According to sources, RR plans to use their RTM card to buy back seasoned spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who has been one of the most consistent performers in the franchise since joining the team in IPL 2022. The wily leg-spinner bagged 18 wickets in IPL 2024, and his retention will give RR a wicket-taking spin option.
The bigwigs in the RR set-up, including Rahul Dravid, Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara, CEO Jake Lush McCrum, and Director of Data & Analytics Giles Lindsay have reportedly held several rounds of discussions to finalise their retention and RTM picks ahead of the October 31 deadline.
