As the new IPL season kicks off on March 31, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be eager to improve on their runner-up finish from IPL 2022. Despite winning the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008, the Royals’ closest attempt to the title came last year, where they lost to the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final. A key element of their success has been their solid batting lineup, filled with match-winners over the years. Though their current lineup lacks depth, one or two of their players have the potential to shine and lead the team to victory.
Here, we’ve rank the top three batters from Rajasthan Royals in IPL history.
1) Shane Watson
When you talk about the Rajasthan Royals, Shane Watson’s name comes to mind immediately. A T20 all-rounder who won the MVP award twice and led the Royals to their maiden IPL title, Watson was the cornerstone of their batting lineup for eight seasons.
Watson had a reputation for being equally lethal against spin and pace during his prime, and he lived up to it with some memorable performances. Despite his international commitments, he played 24 games across three seasons between 2010 and 2012 and made his presence felt with pivotal innings at a rapid strike rate.
Watson’s numbers for the Royals speak volumes about his contribution to the team – 2372 runs at an average of 36.49 and a strike rate of 141.27, with 14 half-centuries and two hundreds. He was also known for turning up in clutch situations and delivering when it mattered the most. It’s safe to say that Watson’s legacy in the Royals franchise is set in stone. He was one of their best foundation players and takes the top spot as their greatest batter till date.
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2) Jos Buttler
Undoubtedly one of the greatest T20 batters of all time, Jos Buttler is a formidable force who adapts to different conditions with ease. After a slow start with the Rajasthan Royals in 2018, Buttler has transformed into a fierce opening batter for the team.
In IPL 2022, Buttler was named the Most Valuable Player after amassing 863 runs with four centuries to his name. He is known for his ability to finish innings, often achieving the target with a solid strike rate.
Buttler’s RR record boasts of 2304 runs at an average of 46.08 and a staggering strike rate of 150.59. Although he is considered as one of the top batters for most teams, he narrowly misses the top spot for the Rajasthan Royals.
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3) Sanju Samson
As a stylish and exciting teenage prodigy, Sanju Samson was scouted by the RR franchise in 2013. Despite struggling with consistency at times, he can be a sight to behold when he is in full flow.
Samson has been a key player for the Royals, with consistent returns becoming the norm in recent years. He has scored 2849 runs for the franchise, with an average of 29.68 and a strike rate of 137.90. With 14 fifties and two hundreds to his name, he has become one of the biggest mainstays of the team.
Samson’s astute leadership qualities were on display when he led the Royals to their second IPL final last year, and he will be looking to take them one step further to the title in the upcoming season.
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