When will Rajasthan win their second IPL title?

Prameyanews English

Published By : Anirudha Mishra | April 11, 2024 3:17 PM

Shane Warne with IPL Trophy in 2008

Anirudha Mishra

Apart from late Shane Warne, no Rajasthan Royals (RR) skipper has been successful in lifting the Indian Premier League (IPL)  trophy. Maverick and master tactician Warne led RR to their maiden and only title victory in the first edition of the IPL in 2008. 

Of course, in 2022 under Sanju Samson, they lost to Gujarat Titans in the final. Barring those two seasons, RR had never entered the IPL final and often had shied away from winning crunch games after excellent starts.

After Warne, RR were led by Rahul Dravid, Shane Watson, Steven Smith, Ajinkya Rahane and the present leader Sanju Samson. But no one could win them the IPL title again.

When Sanju Samson was handed over RR's leadership, many were bewildered and stunned. No one imagined that young Samson could deliver, since he was not even a regular in Team India. But his three-season tenure has been better.

However, at times, Sanju seems to be a bit conservative or short of ideas. Of course, he is lucky to be enjoying the guidance of veterans like Ravichandran Ashwin, Jos Buttler, Kesav Maharaj and Trent Boult on the field. He also has the back-room cushion of an excellent support team, which includes Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara.

This season, Rajasthan after five matches till April 11, 2024 (even after a shocking defeat at their fortress Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur), were still at top of the Points Table with 8 points.

But on Wednesday, Rajasthan's bowling changes were shocking at times. Trent Boult and Kesav Maharaj, despite being economical and tidy, bowled only 2 overs each. That puzzled many RR supporters and cricket experts.

Interestingly, Samson has a lot of faith in Avesh Khan, who often bowls the final over. On Wednesday, Butler, Samson, Riyan Parag and Avesh Khan continued to hold long conversations towards the end of the match. But GT batters continued to flourish, especially Afghanistan icon Rashid Khan.

Rajasthan lost the match as Gujarat Titans held nerves. Seasoned Rashid hammered Avesh for a last ball boundary to clinch a thrilling win from the claws of defeat. 

But that was not all. For slow over-rate, Rajasthan had to keep more men inside the 30-yard circle as per rule and later the skipper was penalised Rs 12 lakh too.

Well, money may not be a big problem for a cash-rich IPL franchise like RR, or its captain. But match results and position in the points table obviously matter a lot. 

What many cricket followers often confuse about RR's bowling plans are, why they rely too much on a few Indian bowlers, even though they appear to be not in their best rhythm on that particular day. 

Besides, why Samson & Co do not rely on proven foreign bowlers, who can perform much better under pressure and win them matches! That is another major riddle.

Will Rajasthan Royals team management change their approach and return to winning ways? Or, 2024 will be yet another IPL season for Rajasthan Royals, where they fail again to maintain their momentum after an excellent start, that only time will say.

RR fans however, would wish that Samson and Co learn from their mistakes. RR must make new strategies, regroup soon and continue their efforts to lift the IPL Trophy for the second time. 

But to make that happen, Samson and RR think-tank have to be more smart and tactful. They have to make some prompt and bold decisions as well. Let's hope Rajasthan Royals become more smart, implement their plans with perfection and regain the winning habit.

    Tags
  • Sanju Samson
  • Indian Premier League (IPL)
  • Rajasthan Royals (RR)
  • Rahul Dravid
  • Ajinkya Rahane
  • Shane Watson
  • IPL 2024
  • Shane Warne

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Shane Warne with IPL Trophy in 2008
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