IPL 2021: Rajasthan Royals updated squad for UAE leg

Rajasthan Royals did make a few big changes ahead of the 2021 season of the Indian Premier League. Kumar Sangakkara was added to the team management as the director of cricket while Sanju Samson was brought on as the new skipper of the franchise. So far, there isn’t a lot one can blame the skipper for, but it is a season that could be the remaking of this franchise. 

Right at the start of the tournament, Rajasthan were without Jofra Archer while Ben Stokes’ injury meant he couldn’t play more than two matches. Going into the second leg, the Royals are now without Jos Buttler and Andrew Tye. That is four of their overseas picks for the season are not available. Now, it takes a lot for a franchise to manage such major losses. 

Nevertheless, during the first leg of the IPL 2021, there were a few new heroes emerging for the Rajasthan Royals. Chetan Sakariya, Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman did quite well for them while David Miller got some game time. All of that has ensured them three wins in seven matches. The four matches which they lost might come back to haunt them but there is enough pedigree in the current squad to take them to the playoffs. 

Can Rajasthan Royals stage a comeback without their star overseas signings?

The equation is quite simple for them going into the second leg. They need to win five matches out of their seven to ensure a spot in the playoffs. One of the more exciting prospects moving into this new leg would be Liam Livingstone, who has been in stellar form in the last few months. 

Apart from that, they have also got in Glenn Phillips to fill in the shoes of Buttler. Evin Lewis and Oshane Thomas have also been brought as replacements. South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, who is currently the no. 1 T20I bowler has also been signed as a replacement and looks like a great signing in these conditions. Royals will open their campaign against Punjab Kings on September 21. 

Here is the updated squad of Rajasthan Royals for the second leg of IPL 2021 in the UAE:

Sanju Samson (C and WK), Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Rahul Tewatia, Mahipal Lomror, Kartik Tyagi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Oshane Thomas, Evin Lewis, Jaydev Unadkat, Mayank Markande, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Anuj Rawat, David Miller, Manan Vohra, Shivam Dube, Chris Morris, Mustafizur Rahim, Chetan Sakariya, K.C. Cariappa, Liam Livingstone, Kuldip Yadav, Akash Singh, Glenn Phillips