IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals at the end of Day-1 Auction

Rajasthan Royals are always known as a team that backs young talent. They had Rahul Dravid assuming the role of the coach back then and have always been impressive in the IPL. The Royals are also making a comeback into the Indian Premier League after two years. In 2015, they were suspended for a period of two years following match-fixing allegations.

Also, making a comeback into this tournament, they didn’t have many retention options. The Champions of the inaugural edition of IPL didn’t manage to win the tournament again in the next seven seasons they played. Prior to the 2008 season, they were considered the weakest side in the tournament. However, they turned the tables upside down and miraculously won the first edition of the IPL.

But in the following season in 2009, the Royals ended 6th on the points table. The 2010 tournament was much worse for them. They ended in the last second position on the table. They roped in the ‘Wall’, Rahul Dravid into the side to see if they could change any fortunes. However, this proved to be of least help with them ending in the sixth position of out of ten. Their next best season came in 2013 when they made it into the qualifiers. Later, they were banned from the league.

Rajasthan Royals at the IPL auctions on Day-1

The Royals retained only one player going into the auctions. This ensured that they had the highest purse left alongside KXIP. The Royals went to the auction with Rs. 67.5 crores left and spent Rs 44 crores today. They will go into Day-2 of the auction with Rs 23.5 crores left in their kitty. They only managed to buy nine players and have got some work to do tomorrow. They’ve also got the most expensive buy of the day. They brought Ben Stokes for a whopping Rs 12.5 crores. They used only one RTM card today, for Ajinkya Rahane.

Here is a look at the players the Royals have picked(including retentions):

1) Steve Smith– Batsman- Rs 12.5 Crores (League Fee: Rs 12 Crores)

2) Ben Stokes– All-rounder- Rs 12.5 Crores

3) Ajinkya Rahane– Batsman- Rs 4 Crores

4) Stuart Binny– All-rounder- Rs 0.5 Crores

5) Sanju Samson– Wicketkeeper Batsman- Rs 8 Crores

6) Jos Buttler– Wicketkeeper Batsman- Rs 4.4 Crores

7) Rahul Tripathi– Batsman- Rs 3.4 Crores

8) D’Arcy Short– Batsman- Rs 4.0 Crores

9) Jofra Archer– Fast Bowler- Rs 7.2 Crores