Before the 2015 Indian Premier League starts on April 8, The National will preview each of the eight teams. Next up, Rajasthan Royals.
An overview
Rajasthan were the league’s first real fairytale side and they have, over the years, become its first, true “moneyball” side. That has not always equaled success, of course. Following their inaugural season title win, they finished 6th, 7th, 6th and 7th again over the next four seasons. Last year they finished 5th.
But, by investing wisely and smartly, they have built a squad that should start achieving bigger things. For starters they have four players who appeared in the World Cup final this year. One of those – Steven Smith – is, give or take an AB de Villiers, the best batsman in the world at the moment.
In James Faulkner they have the man of the World Cup final and a pivotal presence through Australia’s campaign. And their captain is Shane Watson.
During the auction this year, Rajasthan expanded their squad to 25 players, just two short of the maximum 27 permitted. Yet despite buying six players, they were left with the most unused funds of any side – approximately US$1.77 million (Dh6.5m). They did the same in 2014.
It led coach Paddy Upton to commend the preparation Rahul Dravid (team mentor), Zubin Bharucha (director of cricket) and Panish Shetty (team analyst) put in before the auction.
“[They] are possibly the smartest ‘moneyball’ operators I’ve seen in the cricket world. Not only smart, but they put in the preparation, research and planning that most are not prepared to do.”
Spin, and especially leg-spin, will be the key to their bowling fortunes though having as many as four of them in the squad could come back to haunt them as well.
Off the field, the focus could drift to their corruption taint from the 2013 IPL season. It was reported recently that Raj Kundra, a co-owner who was found guilty of betting on IPL games, may give up his stake in the franchise.
The match winner – James Faulkner
Faulkner’s role in Australia’s World Cup campaign was pivotal, but understated. And his player of the final performance was confirmation of just how valuable a player he is in the shorter formats. Can turn a game with bat or ball and in very quick time.
Up and coming star – Sanju Samson
Not so much up and coming, as the coming star. Still only 20, Samson has made impacts on two IPL seasons so far. He was particularly good last year but he could be a game-changer this season.
Five to watch
Steven Smith – Right now he would make runs on water if asked to, he is in that rich a vein of form. India was where he began to resurrect his career in 2013 and it is inconceivable he will not make an impact in this IPL.
Chris Morris – Morris missed last season with an injury but has always been an IPL target since an impressive breakthrough with Chennai in 2013. The allrounder – and his bowling is the stronger suit – was Rajasthan’s most expensive purchase this year, for around U$233,000.
Ajinkya Rahane – One of the established members of India’s new middle order, Rahane had a poor World Cup apart from one innings. He is a deceptive batsman, capable of far higher strike-rates than you might imagine.
Pravin Tambe – One of the best stories of the IPL, Tambe was an old, unknown leggie toiling away in Mumbai club cricket with a day job. Rajasthan scouts spotted him, leading to a belated career as a crafty 40-plus Twenty20 bowler.
Shane Watson – He has been around a long, long time now and this must be the autumn of Watson’s career. He was mostly quiet in the World Cup but will not mind the spotlight here, in the league which rejuvenated his flailing career back in 2008.
Coach – Paddy Upton
Previous record – 2014: Group stage; 2013: Semi-final; 2012: Group stage; 2011: Group stage; 2010: Group stage; 2009: Group stage; 2008: Champions
The National’s verdict
The influence of the three major Australian players may seep through the side this year and push them onto bigger things. Steven Smith especially looms very large as a key figure to the campaign, as does Faulkner. If Tim Southee gets going before he leaves for national duty, who knows, we could have the ultimate moneyball happy ending.
MORE IPL PREVIEWS
– Consistency key for Chennai Super Kings
– Royal Challengers Bangalore boast fearsome batting and bowling
– Mumbai Indians still in a perpetual state of flux
– Kolkata Knight Riders in position for another podium place
– Delhi Daredevils still looking to turn big names into big results
– Kings XI Punjab counting on their starpower and stability
– Sunrisers Hyderbad wondering whether big names can provide big value
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