IPL 2018: 3 players that Rajasthan Royals must retain

Rajasthan Royals were the inaugural champions of the IPL in 2008 and will be back in the fray after two years of suspension. The tournament's governing council has confirmed that all teams will have the option of retaining a select number of players. The exact number as well as combination will be revealed when the various franchises meet on November 21.

If Royals are to win the title after ten long years, it will be important for them to choose these three talented players.

---

#3 James Faulkner

James Faulkner can be retained by the Rajasthan Royals as he was part of the team in 2015 before the franchise got suspended. The Australian can be very handy both with the bat and ball.

He has taken 59 wickets in the IPL including two 5-wicket hauls which came in the same season. He had an impressive outing in 2013 wherein he picked up 28 wickets in 16 matches.

Faulkner has also finished games for Rajasthan with the bat. Though his recent form does not appear adequate, he is a proven batsman during pressure situations in the death overs. Considering he is just 28 years of age, it will be a wise decision for the Royals to retain the all-rounder.

#2 Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane has been a consistent performer in IPL over the years

Rajasthan can retain Ajinkya Rahane as he was playing in the team right when they were suspended. He has mainly played as an opener in Royals team over the years.

It was under Rahul Dravid's coaching where Rahane really played some great knocks for the Royals. He scored 372 runs for Rising Pune Supergiant in last year's IPL season. Across all seasons, he has scored 3057 runs in 111 matches with 1 century and 25 half centuries.

Rahane has a point to prove that he belongs to limited overs format and that he can also adapt to different situations. Having led India to a series-deciding triumph in the Dharamsala Test as well as sporadic captaincy appearances for Supergiant, he has reasonable leadership experience.

#1 Steven Smith

Steven Smith had led Rising Pune Supergiant to the final of IPL 2017

Rajasthan Royals should look to secure the services of Australian skipper Steven Smith. The right-hander has played some valuable knocks for the franchise during the previous seasons. In fact, his lone century in the shortest format came for Rajasthan against Chennai Super Kings.

Smith had scored 472 runs in last year's IPL edition and was fourth in the orange cap race. He has scored 1703 runs across all seasons at an impressive average of 37.02 with one century and five half centuries.

Leading Supergiant, Smith came close to tasting IPL glory. However, his team lost a close match in the 2017 final against Mumbai Indians. His captaincy was appreciated after leading the side to a creditable second spot. Several players like Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur and Jaydev Unadkat were all groomed under Smith's captaincy.Rajasthan would be more than happy to retain him as not just as player but also as their captain.