IPL 2025 retention players list and RTM strategies for RR

Rajasthan Royals (RR) stormed to IPL Glory in the first-ever edition that was held in 2008. Shane Warne and his side beat the much fancied Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to write their names in the history books. That was the only time that Rajasthan won the IPL title before reaching the finals 14 years late in 2022 before losing to Gujarat Titans. 

Sanju Samson has been lauded for his leadership and the way he has handled the team in the last few years. The 29-year-old formed a good understanding with Kumar Sangakkara as the Royals have become one of the most fancied sides in the league. 

However, now the former Indian coach Rahul Dravid returns to the Rajasthan Royals after nearly a decade. The 51-year-old was appointed as the coach of the side with Vikram Rathour joining as the batting coach. Many Royals fans will be enthusiastic to have Dravid back at the helm having helped India win the T20 World Cup to end their wait for a huge title. 

Also Check: MI IPL 2025 retention players list and RTM strategies of MI feat. Rohit Sharma

Here are the likely retentions and RTM cards that Rajasthan Royals could use ahead of IPL 2025

1- Sanju Samson 

29-year-old Sanju Samson has been playing IPL for a long time now. Despite not even turning 30 the Rajasthan Royals skipper is already been seen as a veteran in the league. Retaining the Kerala based star will be the prime motive for Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2025. Sanju Samson has played 140 games for Rajasthan Royals and scored 3742 runs with an average of 31 and strike rate of 141. Samson has also hit 2 centuries and 22 fifties along with 75 catches and 15 stumpings. The 29-year-old has Royals in 59 games and won 31 matches and lost 28 games with a win percentage of 50.84

2- Yashasvi Jaiswal 

Indian opening batter and newest cricket sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal is the future of the Indian Premier League. The left-handed batter made his league debut in 2020 after an amazing Under-19 World Cup the same year. Yashasvi Jaiswal took the world by storm when he scored the fastest fifty in IPL history during the 2023 season versus KKR. Jaiswal has played 53 games so far for Rajasthan Royals and scored 1607 runs. The young batter has hit 2 tons and 9 fifties with an average of 32 and strike rate of 150. 

3- Jos Buttler 

England’s white ball skipper Jos Buttler is one of the most feared batters in the shortest format. His record in the Indian Premier League is one of the best as far as overseas player is concerned. Jos Buttler started his IPL career with Mumbai Indians where he played 2 season and also won the 2017 title. Since 2018, Buttler has been with Rajasthan Royals and become a key member of the side. In 2022, the English star was the best batter to nearly lead his side to the title. Jos Buttler has played a total of 83 games for Royals and scored 3055 runs with 7 centuries and 18 fifties. His IPL average is 41 with a career strike rate of 147.8

4- Trent Boult

New Zealand’s pace bowling star Trent Boult initially began his IPL spells with Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. After two season with Mumbai, the left-arm pacer moved to Rajasthan Royals. Since his arrival in 2022, the Kiwi has played 42 games for the Royals and picked 45 wickets. His best of 3/22 came during the IPL 2024 season against Mumbai Indians. Trent Boult has been phenomenal bowler with the new ball and his exploits in the first over of a game makes him one of the most dangerous bowlers in IPL. 

5- Yuzvendra Chahal 

First man to reach 200 wickets in the league’s history, Yuzvendra Chahal is already an IPL legend. The 34-year-old moved to Rajasthan Royals after spending nearly a decade with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ahead of the IPL 2025 auctions, Royals will make it a mission to retain Chahal as he is one of their star players. The right-arm leg spinner has taken 66 wickets for Royals for the 46 matches he has played. Chahal has an economy rate of his only fifer in the league came during the 2022 season against KKR. The veteran star has also picked five 4-fer’ for Royals during his stint. 

Right to match card – Sandeep Sharma 

With the uncapped player rule coming into place, Sandeep Sharma could be one of the players in focus. Royals will want to retain the veteran pacer by using the right to match card during the IPL 2025 auctions. The 31-year-old was at his best during the IPL 2024 season where he picked 13 wickets from 11 games. So far Sandeep Sharma has played 23 games for Rajasthan Royals and picked 23 wickets with a best of 5/18. His only fifer came during the IPL 2024 season game versus Mumbai Indians.