IPL 2025: Three Playing XI Decisions Rajasthan Royals Must Get Right to Win

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been chasing their second IPL title since their historic win in the inaugural season back in 2008. Over the years, they’ve built a solid core under the leadership of Sanju Samson, consistently staying competitive. Now, heading into IPL 2025, they’ll be eager to go one step further and claim the trophy after narrowly missing out in 2022.

Their first game is set against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 23, leaving them with limited time to finalise their best-playing XI. With several key players released before the auction and new faces brought in, RR has some crucial decisions to make. They need to resolve three major selection dilemmas before the season begins.

1. Should Sanju Samson Open with Yashasvi Jaiswal?

RR’s decision to release Jos Buttler ahead of IPL 2025 has left a vacancy at the top of the order. One possibility is that captain Sanju Samson will step up to open alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Buttler was a dependable opener, scoring 359 runs in 11 matches last season. While Samson has the experience and skill to fill that role, his recent injury concerns add a layer of uncertainty. He recently underwent surgery for a finger injury, though reports suggest he should be fit in time for the tournament.

If RR chooses to keep Samson at No. 3, Nitish Rana could be a viable alternative at the top. The left-handed batter has showcased his versatility across multiple batting positions and has a calm temperament in pressure situations. The Royals must decide whether to disrupt Samson’s usual role or trust Rana to take on the responsibility of opening alongside Jaiswal.

2. Will Shubham Dubey Be Used as an Impact Player?

Shubham Dubey could be a valuable asset for RR in IPL 2025, particularly as an impact player. The middle-order batter had an impressive Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, scoring 134 runs in four innings at a remarkable strike rate of 181.08. While his IPL 2024 season was underwhelming, with only 33 runs in four games, his potential remains undeniable.

Given RR’s current squad balance, Dubey may not start in the XI every game. However, his ability to accelerate the scoring rate makes him a strong candidate for the impact player role. If RR needs a quick-fire finisher in a chase or an aggressive middle-order option, Dubey could be their go-to choice.

3. Akash Madhwal or Tushar Deshpande – Who Gets the Nod?

Jofra Archer’s presence in the playing XI is a given, but RR will need to decide between Akash Madhwal and Tushar Deshpande to support him. Both pacers were signed during the IPL 2025 mega auction, with Deshpande commanding a price of ₹6.50 crore, while Madhwal was picked up for ₹1.20 crore.

On paper, Deshpande seems to have the edge due to his greater IPL experience, having taken 42 wickets in 36 matches compared to Madhwal’s 19 wickets in 13 games. His ability to bowl in high-pressure situations makes him a strong candidate for a starting role, while Madhwal could be used as an impact substitute depending on match conditions.

With the departures of Trent Boult and Avesh Khan, Rajasthan’s pace attack lacks experienced options. This presents a golden opportunity for either Madhwal or Deshpande to cement their place in the squad and deliver match-winning performances.

As RR prepares for the new season, these three decisions will be crucial in determining their success. Choosing between Madhwal and Deshpande for the bowling attack, deciding on the best opening combination, and utilizing Dubey’s talent strategically could make all the difference.

For fans and analysts, these selections are not just exciting from a cricketing perspective but also impact predictions and strategies on IPL betting apps real money platforms. Every decision made by RR’s management will play a role in shaping their campaign, and all eyes will be on them as they strive to reclaim the IPL title in 2025.

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