3 players RR should consider trading in after IPL 2025 ft. Ravichandran Ashwin

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) endured an IPL 2025 season filled with heartbreak as they finished second from the bottom on the points table. While winning four out of 14 games does not make for pretty reading, the side was in dominant positions in several matches before botching them up.

Their campaign was doubly disappointing, considering their impressive run over the three prior seasons. RR finished runners-up in 2022 and qualified for the playoffs in 2024, leading many to believe that 2025 could be their season.

Yet, some questionable retentions and auction buys led even their staunchest believers to perform a U-turn. To undo their blunders, they must have an excellent off-season leading up to the 2025 auction. The franchise must look into the trading window to make some shrewd moves that help regain balance across the squad.

On that note, let us look at the three players RR can trade in from other franchises to pluck the holes in their side.

# 1 Ravichandran Ashwin

2Ravichandran Ashwin had a CSK homecoming to forget in IPL 2025 [Credit: Getty]

Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin's return to RR could work wonders for himself and the franchise in IPL 2026. The 38-year-old played for the franchise from IPL 2022 to 2024, helping them finish in the top four in two of the three seasons.

Ashwin struggled for form in his return to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the 2025 IPL season. Often misused in the powerplay or underutilized, he finished with only seven wickets in nine outings at an average of over 40 and an economy of 9.12.

Yet, given his caliber and achievements, a comeback cannot be ruled out, especially if he returns and plays under Sanju Samson. The Sri Lankan spin duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Mahesh Theekshana struggled for penetration and control for RR this year, picking up 22 combined wickets in as many matches with an economy of over nine.

With Theekshana being more adept at bowling in the powerplay - CSK's major issue in IPL 2025, an Ashwin-Theekshana trade with other pieces to match salaries could be ideal for both franchises. RR could also look to trade Tushar Deshpande or one of their other Indian pacer to CSK for Ashwin in a deal that would help both teams.

# 2 Azmatullah Omarzai

Azmatullah Omarzai could not showcase his complete all-around potential with PBKS [Credit: Getty]

Afghanistan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai felt neither here nor there in the Punjab Kings (PBKS) lineup in IPL 2025. Yet, he could be the perfect addition that bridges the top-order and the lower-middle order.

Omarzai is among the most versatile bowlers and can bowl in the powerplay and the death overs. However, given PBKS' all-rounders' riches in the squad, the 25-year-old batted way too low in the order, resulting in him facing only 41 deliveries in nine outings.

Meanwhile, RR boast an excellent top three for next season, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson. Given their finishing woes in IPL 2025, the management could consider batting Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel at 5 and 6.

It could help Omarzai at No.4 play a more 50-over batting style in the middle overs, one he has mastered in his young career. He should also help RR's pace-bowling department, which conceded runs at an alarming rate, and their overall bowling depth.

# 3 Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Radaba had an uncharacteristically poor season with the ball for GT [Credit: Getty]

RR's biggest concern in IPL 2025 was the lack of production from the pacers, except Jofra Archer. With Sandeep Sharma and Akash Madhwal almost becoming designated death bowlers, the side struggled to find any support for Archer in the powerplay.

They tried numerous Indian and overseas pacers to fill the second seamer role, especially with Sandeep's mid-season injury in the powerplay. However, none delivered the goods, resulting in the opposition often getting off to excellent starts.

Meanwhile, ace pacer Kagiso Rabada encountered off-field issues for most of IPL 2025. He was disappointing in his maiden season with the Gujarat Titans (GT), with only two wickets in four matches.

Yet, his new-ball prowess and experience could massively benefit RR should they acquire the cagy South African veteran in a trade. With GT desperate for lower-middle-order batters in their ranks, RR could give away Shimron Hetmyer in a trade for Rabada.