Rajasthan Royals (RR) had an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season to remember and they played their first final since 2008. Under the captaincy of Sanju Samson, RR finished at the 2nd spot in the points table and defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to qualify for their 2nd final. Even though they fell short in the final against Gujarat Titans (GT), there were many positives for RR going into the next season.
As has been the case since IPL 2008, the teams will be given a chance to rejig their squad and a few players will be released by their respective franchises. RR might not have many changes but a few players could be released. Here, we have a look at 3 players RR might release before IPL 2023 –
Riyan Parag
Young all-rounder Riyan Parag didn’t have a season to remember on the batting front and only managed 183 runs in 17 matches. The team management backed him to the hilt and the former U-19 World Cup winner played each of 17 matches. But the backing didn’t work and Riyan only managed one 50+ score in the tournament.
The franchise had spent a huge sum of Rs 3.80 crore on him and they can save some money by releasing him and then re-signing him next year. There have been many occasions of a franchise re-signing its former players and RR might also do the same next year.
Devdutt Padikkal
RR spent a huge sum of Rs 7.75 crore on Devdutt Padikkal and backed him in every match. But the youngster didn’t have a season to remember and he managed 376 runs in 17 matches. Padikkal’s strike-rate was on the lower side and he struck at 122.88.
RR’s action-packed top order saw Padikkal bat in the middle and with their opening combination likely to remain unchanged, Padikkal might be released as he couldn’t deliver the goods in the middle. He only managed one half-century in the season.
James Neesham/Daryl Mitchell
RR bought two New Zealand all-rounders, James Neesham and Daryl Mitchell, in the mega auction. But none of them was regular in the final XI. Both the all-rounders played 2 games each. With both all-rounders offering the same skill set, RR might release one of them. Mitchell wasn’t in the scheme of things and he left the tournament early to prepare for three-match Test series against England. RR releasing both the players together will not be a big surprise.
