IPL 2022: SWOT Analysis of Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Weaknesses: Lack of game-changing all-rounders

One of the most important roles to give the perfect balance to a T20 side is that of the all-rounders. Though RR has good hitting ability in their batting, they do lack options in players who can chip in with both the bat and ball when required. An all-rounder is a massive weapon in a captain’s artillery when going into a T20 tournament of this nature. A player who can give the finishing touches with the bat and also rescue the team when the top and middle-order fail is an asset to any side. Also, an all-rounder is an invaluable option for the skipper when one or two of their regular bowlers are having a bad day or are hit with an uninvited injury.

The Royals do have New Zealand cricketer Jimmy Neesham as a quality all-around option. However, the 28-year-old has failed to live up to the expectations in most of the previous franchises he has played for at the IPL. Neesham, who bats left-handed and bowls right-arm medium, can slog a few big sixes but has often failed to be consistent in his performances. With his bowling, Neesham can be lined up on surfaces that are flat and he does not have much variation to recover from a counterattack by the batters.

Apart from Neesham, RR could look at Riyan Parag and Ravi Ashwin as other all-around options. However, both Parag and Ashwin have not been seen as out and out all-rounders in T20 cricket. Thus, a lack of options in the department could upset the team’s balance and leave their captain short of choices in a close game.