3 Players each team might retain if mega auction happens in IPL 2021

6. Rajasthan Royals

From one inconsistent North India-based franchise to another; Rajasthan, for as many game-changing performances they have produced, are yet to reach the title-winning accolades they had once reached under Shane Warne’s leadership.

The RR lineup boasts of some of the most flamboyant overseas stars; so it’s hardly a surprise that two of their three retention candidates belong to that quota. The first one of them being, Jofra Archer. The lack of an assured bowling partner has hardly discouraged Jofra, who has single-handedly carried forward the Royals’ fast-bowling express in the powerplay. Additionally, he has the ability to play some handy cameos lower down the order, which only adds to his match-winning repertoire and makes a strong case for his retention.

Joining Jofra, is his England teammate, Jos Buttler- yet another one-man-army kind of player for Rajasthan. Buttler’s ability to bat flexibly at just about any batting position- well-complemented by his wicket-keeping skills- make him an easy, no-brainer pick for the team. Statistically, too- Buttler, with 1130-runs to his name from the last 3 seasons, has been RR’s best batsman- exactly the kind of player his team would be happy to keep investing in.

Kerala’s wicketkeeper-batsman, Sanju Samson rounds off as RR’s final core-retention candidate. Although nowhere near as consistent as ‘The Universe Jos’, Samson has played a fair number of match-winning innings for his side to warrant a spot on the list. His run tally from the last three season reads 1055-runs @ 147.01- the best among all of Rajasthan’s local players. Having said that, Rajasthan would expect a bit more consistency from their marquee Indian player.

Alternate RTM options: Steve Smith, Riyan Parag, Ben Stokes