Ranking Rajasthan Royals' 5 best buys in IPL 2025 Auction ft. Jofra Archer
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) won the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 and will aim for their second title after a long wait. Ahead of the 2025 auction, the Royals retained a decent core in Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma.
Going into the IPL 2025 auction, the primary focus for the Rajasthan Royals was to assemble a strong bowling attack after releasing Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Ravichandran Ashwin, among others.
While they did a decent job, bringing in the likes of Jofra Archer, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana, who are big names, they probably did not have the best auction among all teams.
While they seem to have strong top and middle-order, they might just be lacking enough options for the role of the finisher. Barring Sandeep Sharma, there does not seem to be an established Indian fast bowler either. They are reliant on their overseas spinners as well.
However, with their squad now assembled, here is a look at the five best buys made by the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2025 auction.
Ranking Rajasthan Royals' 5 best buys in IPL 2025 Auction
#5 Maheesh Theekshana
Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana was bought by the Royals for INR 4.40 crore. Theeskhana has played three seasons in the IPL and has picked up 25 wickets from 27 matches at an economy rate of 7.66.
Across all T20 competitions, the right-arm spinner has played 178 matches and has grabbed 189 wickets with an impressive economy rate of 6.69. Theekshana, given his ability to pick wickets and control the flow of runs, is among their top buys.
He can bowl in the powerplay, middle-overs, and at the backend as well. Along with fellow Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga, they can form a formidable spin duo for the Royals.
#4 Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi can prove to be a like-to-like replacement for Trent Boult. The left-arm pacer from Afghanistan can swing the ball both ways and is known for picking up wickets in the powerplay.
He has played 103 T20s and has accounted for 133 wickets. Moreover, he can make it difficult for the batters to score freely as he has maintained an economy rate of 6.94.
Rajasthan managed to bag Farooqi at his base price of INR 2 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Considering his skillset and the amount they got him for, he is one of their top buys.
#3 Wanindu Hasaranga
Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga can replace Yuzvendra Chahal and lead the spin attack for the Rajasthan Royals. They acquired Hasaranga for INR 5.25 crores at the auction.
Hasaranga has picked up 125 wickets from 76 T20Is at an economy rate of 6.93. He has grabbed 287 wickets in T20s overall and has scored 2314 runs at a strike-rate of 145.16.
Hasaranga can be a handy lower-middle order batter who can score quick runs at the backend of the innings. With his all-round abilities. he can provide the Royals with some much-needed balance in their squad.
#2 Nitish Rana
Another solid addition to their squad, Rajasthan Royals bought Nitish Rana for just INR 1.20 crore. The left-handed batter has been consistent in the IPL over the years. Although he missed the last season due to injury, playing just two games, Rana has scored over 350 runs each season from 2020 to 2023.
Overall, he has scored 2636 runs from 107 matches and offers the option of a part-time spinner as well. Rana can bat in the middle order and hold fort from one end. He can also accelerate when needed.
With Nitish Rana coming in, it will also give the Royals flexibility to allow Sanju Samson to open the batting, which could be a game-changing move for them.
#1 Jofra Archer
It is a homecoming for English pacer Jofra Archer, who is back in the Rajasthan Royals squad after being bought for a massive amount of INR 12.50 crore. Archer is expected to lead the pace attack.
The 29-year-old has played 40 IPL matches to date and has grabbed 48 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.43. He can bowl in all three phases of the game and brings experience of having played international cricket as well.
Despite his injury concerns, Archer's ability to bowl with quick pace and deliver yorkers under pressure makes him a valuable asset to the team, particularly in this format of the game.