Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has revealed that Rajasthan Royals’ biggest strength will be their batting line-up in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League. Chopra noted the inaugural champions have got a potent Indian batting order, which can be really destructive for the opposition.
Rajasthan Royals had retained Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer ahead of the auction. RR were able to add Nitish Rana in the IPL mega auction.
“The batting was already strong and has become even stronger. It was already an Indian core. Along with the Mumbai Indians, they have the ability to play an entire Indian top order, and it has ability, confidence, and a destructive approach,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
“Sanju Samson as a captain, Yashasvi Jaiswal – maybe both as openers. After that, you can get Nitish Rana and then you can keep Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel. You can move them up and down as well. They have an excellent left-right combination. They have kept it strongly till No. 6,” Chopra added.
The renowned commentator added that Wanindu Hasaranga and Jofra Archer’s presence adds depth to RR’s batting order.
“Earlier, at times, the lower order wasn’t that strong and had a few shortcomings. I think they have plugged all their holes as far as batting is concerned. After that also, Wanindu Hasaranga and Jofra Archer, which means you have slightly more depth in batting. This team has assembled decent batting till No. 8,” he observed.
Chopra expects Sanju Samson to open the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal after the franchise released Jos Buttler whereas he feels Nitish Rana will bat at one down.
“The batting is looking good to me, and along with that continuity. The captain is the same and he is right. The roles are also almost defined. Nitish Rana will quietly go and fit in the middle. Sanju will go up in place of Buttler and Nitish Rana will come in Sanju’s place,” he said.
Chopra added that RR can try to maintain a right-left batting combination in the middle order.
“You just carry on from there. You can send a left-hander if a left-hander gets out, or else you can send a right-hander. So all that is possible. Continuity will remain this team’s mantra in batting,” Chopra observed.
The IPL 2025 will begin on March 14 with the final to be played on May 25.
