Who is ideal for Sanju Samson? Here’s Rajasthan Royals’ Dream XI at IPL 2025 Auction

Rajasthan Royals (RR) made a statement when they utilized all six IPL 2025 retentions for a whopping Rs 79 crore. Skipper Sanju Samson and young superstar Yashasvi Jaiswal were the top two picks at Rs 18 crore each. Meanwhile, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel were retained at Rs 14 crore. On top of that, Shimron Hetmyer (Rs 11cr) and Sandeep Sharma (Rs 4cr) were also denied going to the IPL 2025 mega auction. With this strong foundation, RR will be looking to bolster their squad with shrewd signings to get their hands on the IPL title that has evaded them since 2008.

With the mega auction slated to happen on November 24-25, we have made a “Dream XI” for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Below, we have put the best possible combination that the RR could pick at the auction. While we know that no one can predict what happens at an IPL auction, it’s important to note that this is a purely speculative exercise. On that note, let’s hop into it!

RR: 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal

A rising star in Indian cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal has taken the IPL by storm with his aggressive batting style. The southpaw has ability to score runs quickly and consistently, with Rajasthan Royals entrusting him as their joint-top retention pick. Jaiswal, at 22, is one of their many present and future talents, already scoring 1,607 runs at an incredible strike rate of above 150 in 52 IPL innings.

RR: 2. Will Jacks (Overseas)

So, RR let go Jos Buttler. Keeping track of his injuries and age (34), we have found his replacement and he is from England too. Yes, Will Jacks, who played for RCB last season but can be ideal at RR. The hard-hitting batter can not only do same damage as what Buttler did but can even roll his arm over. With his experience of playing all over the world, Jacks can form a threatening opening partnership with Jaiswal. After 42 T20s, Jacks has made 989 runs at an immaculate strike rate of 164.29.

RR: 3. Sanju Samson (C&WK)

There’s nothing much going wrong with Sanju Samson at the moment. The RR skipper recently became the first-ever Indian to smash back-to-back hundreds in T20Is and has found a new lease of life with the national team. Barring two seasons, Samson has dedicated his IPL career to Rajasthan Royals since 2013. In fact, he has played 140 IPL games for the franchise, mustering 3,742 runs at an average of 31.45 and at a SR of 141.31.

RR. 4. Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag, who has played six IPL seasons for RR, only had his breakout season earlier this year. It was when the management made him a permanent number four batter. In IPL 2024, Parag smashed 573 at an excellent SR of 149.22. The Royals continue to invest in him, with Parag (22) being one of the most talented T20 players.

RR. 5. Dhruv Jurel

It was a bit surprising for RR to pay a whopping Rs 14 crore to keep Dhruv Jurel. They already had a keeper in Samson. However, Jurel was unearthed by RR, for whom he has played 22 innings. In those games, Jurel has hammered 347 runs at a great strike rate of 151.52. Turning 24 in a couple of months, Jurel has all the abilities to be a long-term solution for RR’s middle-order. He can bat anywhere, and is a superb fielder too!

RR. 6. Shimron Hetmyer (overseas)

Shimron Hetmyer was another retention pick for Rajasthan Royals at Rs 11 crore. Although he remains in and out off the West Indies team, Hetmyer has a great record while playing for RR. In 37 innings, he has 726 runs at a SR of 154.47. Unlike many overseas middle-order players, Hetmyer even has good record in India, having made 1,114 runs at an average over 31 and at a SR near 150. RR have invested in him and he has to continue proving his worth next season.

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RR. 7. Sikandar Raza (overseas)

A highly underrated T20 player, Sikandar Raza could end RR’s ailing issue of an all-rounder. He can be extremely useful on the decks at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and can bat anywhere. The Zimbabwean superstar recently even clubbed a 43-ball 133*. Raza has an experience of playing over 250 T20 matches, in which he has 5,315 runs and has taken 157 wickets.

RR. 8. Sam Curran (Overseas)

Talking about pacers, Sam Curran could elongate Rajasthan Royals batting lineup. His cutters and slower ones could be highly useful in Jaipur. Despite not living up to his huge potential in the IPL, Curran is a high value pick. In 2024, he has made 901 runs at an average of 33.3 and has taken 48 wickets in T20s.

RR. 9. Deepak Chahar

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) couldn’t retain Deepak Chahar and RR could benefit from it. Chahar, being a local lad, could be highly useful for them. He can take up the new ball responsibility and can inflict early wickets with ease. In IPL, he has taken 77 wickets at an immaculate economy rate of under 8. Chahar’s ability to move the ball both ways could be instrumental for Rajasthan.

RR. 10. Yuzvendra Chahal

Rajasthan Royals (RR) would love to have their ace spinner back! They couldn’t agree with the retention amount with Yuzvendra Chahal but if he moves back to RR, it will be gold dust for the franchise. After all, he is the leading wicket-taker of the league, with 205 wickets at an incredible strike rate and economy rate of 17.17 and 7.84. Although he is touted for big bucks at IPL 2025 auction, this is fantasy booking nonetheless!

RR. 11. Sandeep Sharma

Last but not the least is RR’s “uncapped” retention Sandeep Sharma. He started his IPL career as a dependable swing bowler, troubling batters with smooth seam and swing bowling. But at RR, he has been appreciated for composure and disciplined bowling. Sandeep has developed into a proper death bowler, and has 137 wickets at an economy rate of 7.87 across 126 IPL innings.

Dream XI for Rajasthan Royals at IPL 2025 Auction