IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Unveil ‘Boy Wonder’ to the World, but with a Twist
Rajasthan Royals (RR) faced a challenging season in IPL 2025, finishing ninth after securing only four wins out of 14 matches. Head coach Rahul Dravid’s unique note-taking methods drew attention, sparking speculation about their impact on the team’s performance. Despite the team’s struggles, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi emerged as a standout player, demonstrating his talent and maturity throughout the tournament.
## Head Coach’s Unique Approach
Rahul Dravid, the head coach of Rajasthan Royals, has been seen diligently taking notes during matches, which has intrigued fans and analysts alike. In response to the curiosity surrounding his methods, Dravid clarified that he records scores in a personalized way that allows him to review games effectively without relying on traditional scorecards. “There is no rocket science involved,” he stated, emphasizing the comfort this practice brings him. His focus on reviewing performances is particularly relevant given the franchise’s reliance on young talent this season.
The Royals have a history of nurturing emerging players, but the strategy backfired in IPL 2025. The team ended the season in ninth place, a stark contrast to their runners-up finish in IPL 2022. Despite retaining promising young players like Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel, the team struggled due to a lack of experience, ultimately leading to their disappointing performance. The Royals managed to chase a target successfully only once in eight attempts, highlighting the difficulties they faced under pressure.
## Young Talents Shine and Struggle
Among the young players, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stood out as a revelation this season. He scored 252 runs in just seven matches, boasting an impressive strike rate of 206.55. His performances have drawn comparisons to cricket legends, with ex-England captain Nasser Hussain noting that Suryavanshi’s achievements surpass those of many young players. His ability to handle pressure was evident in RR’s final match against CSK, where he showcased remarkable maturity.
However, Suryavanshi was not the only young talent in the squad. Yashasvi Jaiswal also had a noteworthy season, amassing 559 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 159.71. Despite these bright spots, the team’s overall batting performance suffered, with the middle order struggling significantly. Players like Shubham Dubey were unable to deliver when it mattered most, leading to further complications for the franchise.
## Challenges for the Bowling Unit
The Rajasthan Royals’ bowling department faced its own set of challenges in IPL 2025. The decision to release key players such as Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, and Trent Boult proved detrimental, as evidenced by Krishna’s performance, which saw him emerge as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 21 wickets. In contrast, RR’s bowling attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, and Maheesh Theekshana, managed only 11 wickets each, showcasing a significant gap in effectiveness.
Adding to the team’s woes was the injury to captain Sanju Samson, which sidelined him for several matches. This absence further disrupted the team’s strategy and performance. The Royals managed to hit the most sixes in the tournament, totaling 146, which indicates their attacking potential. Nevertheless, the overall inconsistency in both batting and bowling left much to be desired, ultimately contributing to their lackluster season.
Despite the disappointing outcome, the Rajasthan Royals have the potential to rebound in the future. With the guidance of experienced coach Rahul Dravid and a roster filled with young talent, the franchise is well-positioned to make a comeback in subsequent seasons.
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