Finest Enjoying XI for RR at IPL 2025 with Influence Sub: Samson-Jaiswal new duo; Archer-Hasaranga add selection

Rajasthan Royals (RR) had their best addition well before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction when they re-hired Rahul Dravid as the head coach of the franchise. Fresh off India’s T20 World Cup success, Dravid quickly involved in the decision-making fray, something that was there to see at IPL 2025 auction as well. Rajasthan Royals shelled out majority of their purse (₹79 cr) for their six retentions.

At the auction, their biggest buy proved to be ‘Baazigar’ Jofra Archer, who was bought for ₹12.5 crore. If fit, he can certainly spearhead the bowling attack, something that Trent Boult did. Apart from this, Wanindu Hasaranga once again replaced Yuzvendra Chahal in the IPL. Yes, Hasaranga was bought for ₹5.25 crore after RR failed to buy back Chahal, who was sold at a whopping ₹18 crore. RR needed to find solution to their ever-present all-rounder problem. While they didn’t sign an out-and-out all-rounder, Hasaranga has all the capabilities to fill the role. But what about other areas? Let’s find out below and see at Rajasthan Royals (RR’s) best playing XI for IPL 2025.

RR at IPL 2025: Sanju Samson-Yashasvi Jaiswal new opening duo

RR let go Jos Buttler. Moreover, they failed to sign a proper opener to replace him. Hence, it is likely that Sanju Samson opens with youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal now. This could be a blessing in disguise for RR, who would now have a beast of an opening duo. Samson, while playing for India, showed how lethal he could be as an opener.

Samson, who is the highest run-getter for RR (3934), scored three hundreds in five T20Is for India as an opener. Meanwhile, Jaiswal is simply undroppable as well. In just 52 innings, the southpaw has 1607 runs at an immaculate strike rate of 150.60 for RR. At number three, we have Nitish Rana, a new signing for RR. Rana is an IPL veteran, having scored 2,636 runs at a decent strike rate of above 135. He was a steal at Rs 4.20 crore. The southpaw would be an ideal number three player, adding all his experience to the fore.

IPL 2025: Parag, Jurel, Hetmyer form up RR middle-order

Here comes the middle-order. RR didn’t bother to get middle-order batters at the IPL auction as they already retained Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer. Parag repaid the faith shown on him by RR as he had a breakout IPL 2024. Last season, Parag had a superb campaign, scoring 573 runs at 52.09 and 149.21. Owing to this, Parag even broke into the Indian team and is a key member now.

Coming to Dhruv Jurel, he is assumed to bat at number five. Jurel is one of many talents, identified by RR back in 2023. He not only adds up as a keeper, but is a versatile batter. In case of an early collapse, Jurel could add stability. Meanwhile, his role would ideally be amped up in the death overs. Regardless, it was a bit shocking to see RR retain him for a whopping Rs 14 crore!

Another retention for RR was Shimron Hetmyer, who has been a superb finisher in the IPL. For RR, he has made 726 runs at a SR of above 154. He was retained at Rs 11 crore, and would be a key member once again, assuming the role as a proper finisher.

More on IPL 2025

Now comes an important cog as well – an extra batter owing to the Impact Player rule. This would allow RR to give support to their already stacked batting. Shubham Dubey should be an ideal pick here. While he is not a famous name, Dubey is a hard-hitting option. His career T20 strike rate is almost 150. He plays for Vidarbha in domestic cricket and even made 52* in his recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). Other options for RR would be Yudhvir Singh Charak.

Hasaranga-Archer-Sandeep! RR bowling attack

Kudos to the Rajasthan Royals for roping in Jofra Archer. The former RR pacer would spearhead the bowling attack. This return to RR is particularly meaningful as Archer had his best IPL season with them in 2020, when he was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. The 29-year-old fast bowler has had a challenging few years dealing with injuries, including elbow issues that limited his participation with Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season to just five games. In total, Archer has taken 48 wickets in 40 IPL matches.

Wanindu Hasaranga was also one of the best picks for RR. The wily leg-spinner replaces Yuzvendra Chahal in the XI. While Hasaranga is yet to set IPL on fire, he could be an excellent pinch hitter too. With an experience of 200 T20s, Hasaranga has 2314 runs and 287 wickets at an immaculate economy rate of 6.90.

At number 10 and 11 are Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma. The two Indian pacers would be two key pacers for RR. While CSK couldn’t buy back Deshpande, RR signed him for ₹6.50 crore. He has been an underrated commodity in IPL. In last two seasons, he has plucked away 38 wickets at an average of around 25. As for Sandeep Sharma, he was an uncapped retention at Rs 4 crore. He started off his career as a powerplay bowler but, with experience, has turned into a death bowling specialist. One of these two pacers could be swapped for Akash Madhwal too.

Note, this is a batting first XI. Hence, someone like Shubham Dubey could be subbed out in the second innings to make way for either Maheesh Theekshana or Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Best Playing XI for MI for IPL 2025 (batting first)

Best Playing XI for RR for IPL 2025 (bowling first): Any one of Maheesh Theekshana or Fazalhaq Farooqi or any other bowling option in the XI. Then, a number 7 batter Shubham Dubey goes out in the second innings.