IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals (RR) Best Retained Players List

Sanju Samson to continue to lead as we look at the IPL 2025 RR Retained Players list and best strategy explained for Rajasthan Royals. 

The Rajasthan Royals as we know were the champions of the first edition of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Unfortunately, it’s been 16 more years since that, and RR are yet to get their hands on the trophy. What’s more unfortunate is the fact that they have only reached an IPL final once since then, and that was in 2022. But can the team look to change the fortunes with the IPL 2025 Mega Auction?

Well, the team does have a lot of quality players in their side whom they would like to retain at any cost. Over the last three years, the Rajasthan Royals have built a good core of 8-10 players whom they have invested keeping in mind the team requirement and gaps in the side. These players have more often than not, not disappointed with their performance too. 

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction may not allow the team to retain these 8-10 core players, but with 4-6 retentions allowed this time, RR will plan to hire these players in the Mega Auction. So, before we get to the Auction, let’s in the meantime explore the IPL 2025 RR Retained players list and the best team combination strategy that Rajasthan Royals can adopt. 

IPL 2025 RR Retained Players List – Rajasthan Royals Best Combinations Explored

1st Scenario – 4 Players Retained

Of all the teams that are present in the Auction, Rajasthan Royals might be the best team when it comes to their best first-choice four retentions. Without an iota of a doubt, the team’s four best players are Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag. These are the most consistent and performing players in the team, and RR will have no second thoughts about retaining them. Coincidently, they also form the top 4 batting lineup of the team. 

If we recall, RR had also retained three of these, viz., Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction as well. The performance graph of these players, and especially Yashasvi Jaiswal has only improved year-on-year. Moreover, the resurgence of Riyan Parag is a welcome change in the RR camp. Riyan made a stunning comeback in IPL 2024, and as a result of his performance, he was admitted to the Indian team as well. 

ALSO READ: IPL 2025 KKR Retained Players List – All Combinations Explored

2nd Scenario – 5 Players Retained

After four players, if RR have anyone in mind when it comes to retaining, it has got to be Yuzvendra Chahal. While RR’s top 4 first-choice retained players are all batters, the addition of a quality spinner as a fifth option isn’t bad at all. Chahal has been an IPL legend, and his best performance has come while playing for RR. While ideal, he should have been above Riyan, but given Riyan’s amazing comeback story, Chahal’s value takes a slight downshift. But still, as a fifth retained player, Chahal will be great value for money. 

3rd Scenario – 6 Players Retained

Now, with four Indian players already retained, the next in line should be an Overseas player. Among the quality options that Rajasthan Royals have, the team can explore players like Shimron Hetmyer, Rovman Powell, Trent Boult, or Nandre Burger. But among these players, Trent Boult seems a standout. Boult is one of the best Overseas pacers in the tournament, and as a sixth-retained player, he is definitely not a bad option.  

IPL 2025 RR Retained Players – Best Possible List for Rajasthan Royals

1. Sanju Samson
2. Jos Buttler (o)
3. Yashasvi Jaiswal
4. Riyan Parag
5. Yuzvendra Chahal
6. Trent Boult (o)

So, that’s about the best retained players list combinations for Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2025. Overall, RR don’t have a lot of headaches for choosing the best 4-6 players for their retentions. Even as they plan to retain uncapped players, they have the likes of Shubham Dubey, and Tanush Kotian among probables. However, their best bet will be lateral hires where they have plenty of options. Some quality options are Avesh Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Sandeep Sharna, etc. 

Thanks for reading! What’s your take on the retained players list scenarios for Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2025? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

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Adesh Kothari

Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.

Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.