3 Rajasthan Royals Players Who May Miss Out in IPL 2025
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have assembled a strong squad for IPL 2025, retaining key players and making strategic additions during the auction held in Jeddah. With a robust 20-member lineup, competition for playing XI spots is intense. Some players are likely to spend the season on the bench. Here’s a closer look at three such players who might miss out.
Kunal Rathore: The Local Talent Waiting for His Moment
Kunal Rathore, a promising wicketkeeper-batter, became the first cricketer from Kota, Rajasthan, to secure an IPL contract. Despite his impressive performances in domestic cricket, Rathore didn’t feature in the IPL 2024 season and may face the same fate in 2025.
- Why might Rathore miss out?
The Royals already have experienced players like Sanju Samson and Shimron Hetmyer to handle wicketkeeping duties. Rathore was likely picked as a backup for emergencies. - Future prospects:
At just 22 years old, Rathore has time to grow and might eventually become a key player for RR. His consistent domestic form keeps him in contention.
Rathore’s potential is undeniable, but with seasoned players ahead of him, his IPL debut may have to wait.
Fazalhaq Farooqi: Afghanistan’s Pace Star Faces Competition
Fazalhaq Farooqi, the Afghan pacer known for his sharp bowling, might struggle to secure a spot in RR’s playing XI in IPL 2025. The franchise has bolstered its pace attack with big names, making Farooqi’s inclusion challenging.
- The competition:
RR’s acquisition of Jofra Archer as the leading overseas pacer and the addition of South African teen sensation Kwena Maphaka creates fierce competition. Both players are likely to be prioritized over Farooqi. - Squad dynamics:
Farooqi’s presence ensures depth in RR’s bowling lineup, but he may serve as a backup option unless injuries or rotation policies create opportunities.
Farooqi’s talent adds depth to RR’s bowling arsenal, but the packed pace department might keep him off the field.
Ashok Sharma: The Young Bowler in a Packed Pace Unit
Ashok Sharma, a 22-year-old medium pacer, was picked at his base price during the IPL 2025 auction. Despite being with the Royals since 2022, Sharma has yet to make a significant impact.
- Depth in Indian pacers:
RR’s pace attack features strong Indian players like Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma. Additional options like Akash Madhwal and Yudhvir Singh Charak further reduce Ashok’s chances. - Journey so far:
Initially a net bowler during the pandemic, Ashok has shown promise. However, competition for limited spots makes his inclusion unlikely in the upcoming season.
While Sharma is a valuable backup, RR’s well-stocked pace department limits his opportunities.
Rajasthan Royals Pace Options for IPL 2025
| Player | Role | Chances of Playing |
|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | Overseas pacer | High |
| Kwena Maphaka | Overseas pacer | Moderate |
| Tushar Deshpande | Indian pacer | High |
| Sandeep Sharma | Indian pacer | High |
| Ashok Sharma | Backup pacer | Low |
RR’s Bench Strength: A Strategic Advantage
The depth in RR’s squad reflects their strong planning for IPL 2025. Having talented players like Rathore, Farooqi, and Ashok Sharma on the bench ensures the team is prepared for injuries or unexpected scenarios.
Benefits of a strong bench:
- Provides flexibility in team selection.
- Ensures consistent performance throughout the tournament.
- Offers opportunities to test new talents.
Balancing Opportunities and Strategy
The Rajasthan Royals have built a formidable squad, prioritizing depth and experience. While players like Kunal Rathore, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Ashok Sharma might not make the playing XI immediately, their inclusion strengthens the team’s overall composition. As the season unfolds, circumstances might still present these players with a chance to shine.