IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Rajasthan Royals

RR in IPL 2020: Threats

Jofra Archer will perhaps have too much to do in IPL 2020

#1 Death bowling might be an issue for RR in IPL 2020

Assuming that RR will be able to field only one overseas pacer in Jofra Archer, their death bowling could turn out to be a major problem.

Jaydev Unadkat has been very expensive in recent years, while Ankit Rajpoot and Varun Aaron aren't known for their prowess in the latter stages of innings. Kartik Tyagi and Akash Singh have bowled at the death for the Indian U-19 team, but they are perhaps far too inexperienced to be thrown into the deep end in IPL 2020.

Andrew Tye and Tom Curran are decent death-bowling options, but whether they will be in the playing XI is a pertinent question.

#2 Ben Stokes' absence could ruin RR's IPL 2020 completely

If Ben Stokes does miss the major part of the IPL 2020 league phase like reports suggest he will, it could single-handedly derail RR's campaign. The Englishman will have been a major contributor with both bat and ball, while his experience and recent international form would have held the team in good stead.

Stokes' absence will leave a gaping hole in the RR lineup, and they will have to nullify this threat immediately.

#3 The participation of players from England and Australia is still in doubt

There were reports that lockdown rules in the UAE will not be bent to ensure that players from England and Australia play the first IPL 2020 game, but the Kolkata Knight Riders management did confirm that Eoin Morgan and Pat Cummins will be available for the season opener.

There has been no official confirmation yet, but if players from the two countries miss the first one (or even two) games of IPL 2020, RR will be in massive trouble. They will need to make sure that their season doesn't get off to a horrible start, as that could derail their campaign altogether.