IPL 2020: 3 players Rajasthan Royals should target in the IPL auction

Rajasthan Royals started their 2019 Indian Premier League campaign with a lot of optimism. The English duo of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler was in great form, and Australian batsman Steve Smith was available for selection after serving his one-year ban for his involvement in the infamous sandpaper-gate.

They also made some exciting signings in the auctions. After the addition of players like Jaydev Unadkat, Varun Aaron and Oshane Thomas in the squad, many expected Rajasthan Royals to be a contender for the title.

However, that was not to be, as the Royals won only five games out of their 14. Nothing went right for them, and they also had to change their skipper mid-way through the tournament.

The team management would want to make some shrewd signings in this year’s auction. Let us have a look at three players Rajasthan Royals should target:

#3 Basil Thampi

Basil Thampi

Though Rajasthan Royals invested heavily in their pace bowling unit in the last auction, the players failed to live up to the expectations. Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Aaron not only failed to pick up wickets, but also conceded a lot of runs.

They must try to strengthen their Indian pace attack, so as to give Jofra Archer a worthy partner. And Basil Thampi might be the answer to their questions.

The Kerala-born quick is currently a member of Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, Hyderabad have already got a plethora of Indian pacers, and Thampi got only three opportunities last season.

Though he failed to pick up a wicket in the 2019 season, he was extremely impressive for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions in 2017. There is a good chance that Hyderabad will release him and if they do, the Royals must do everything they can to get the Kerala speedster.

Also see - Live cricket score

#2 Karun Nair

Karun Nair

Rajasthan Royals possess one of the most formidable batting lineups in the IPL, featuring world-class names like Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, Steve Smith and Sanju Samson. However, they desperately need an Indian middle-order batsman to play the anchor role in the middle overs.

Rahul Tripathi was not up to the mark last season, and could only muster 141 runs in seven games. That made way for youngster Riyan Parag, but with a teenager it is always hit-or-miss.

The Royals will be looking for someone more experienced to rely on, and Karun Nair is the perfect candidate. The third-highest run-scorer for Kings XI Punjab in the 2018 season got only one chance in the 2019 edition, because Punjab already possess a very strong batting lineup.

Nair might be released by Ravichandran Ashwin’s side prior to the auction, and the Royals should keep an eye on him.

#1 James Neesham

James Neesham (R) and Ross Taylor

One big problem Rajasthan Royals had to deal with this year was international fixtures. Many important members left before the end of the tournament, leaving the team in disarray. Hence, the team management must plan well ahead of the upcoming auction.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have already announced England’s 2020 schedule; the Three Lions will be playing a Test series against West Indies in June. Hence, the Royals must look for a back-up option for Ben Stokes, and James Neesham will be the perfect fit.

The Kiwi all-rounder didn’t have a great time with Delhi, but he is in sublime form at the moment. After a scintillating ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, Neesham even did well for Trinbago Knight Riders in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League.

Neesham might be in demand this year, and the Royals should have their bid ready.