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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction is around the corner, Rajasthan Royals (RR), the inaugural champions of the prestigious tournament, are preparing for making key decisions.
Having showcased a powerful performance in IPL 2024, where they demonstrated remarkable competitiveness, teamwork, and resilience, the Royals are keen to retain a core group of players who can drive them forward in their pursuit of another title. However, certain players may be released as part of their strategic shake-up to optimize the squad’s balance.
3 potential key releases by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2025 auction
1. Shimron Hetmyer
The 27-year-old West Indian middle-order batter, who made his IPL debut in 2019, has been a part of Rajasthan Royals since 2022. Shimron Hetmyer made notable contributions during the 2021 and 2022 editions, but his performance in the most recent 2024 season was underwhelming. Despite being a proven power-hitter, he managed to score only 113 runs in 12 matches, with his highest score being 27 not out and an average of 22.60. This marked a sharp decline from his 2023 season, where he amassed 300 runs across 14 matches.
With RR already boasting a strong middle-order lineup, featuring players like Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag, and Rovman Powell, Hetmyer has found it challenging to secure a regular spot. His inability to perform consistently in the 2024 edition may lead the Royals to consider releasing him ahead of the 2025 auction, freeing up space for either a new foreign acquisition or a promising domestic player.
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2. Navdeep Saini
Indian fast bowler Navdeep Saini has been with Rajasthan Royals since 2022 but has struggled to make a significant impact. In the 2024 season, Saini did not feature in a single match, and in the 2023 season, he played only two matches, taking three wickets. His IPL career statistics are modest, with just 23 wickets in 32 matches.
Despite his raw pace and potential, Saini’s lack of opportunities and inconsistent performances have hampered his growth in the IPL. With Rajasthan Royals already having a strong pace attack led by the likes of Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Saini to break into the playing XI. Given his limited role in the last two seasons, the franchise may consider releasing him to explore better options in the upcoming auction.
3. Keshav Maharaj
South African left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj joined Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 but has found it hard to establish himself in the team. The 34-year-old bowler has played only two IPL matches so far, for RR, in which he took two wickets. While Maharaj is an experienced international player, his limited exposure to the IPL format, coupled with his inability to cement his spot in the team, makes him a potential candidate for release.
With RR already having a formidable spin department that includes Yuzvendra Chahal and versatile options like Ravichandran Ashwin and Parag, Maharaj’s place in the team has come under scrutiny. The Royals may opt to release him to make room for either another foreign spinner or a younger domestic player to strengthen their squad for the 2025 season.
