RR

‘Maybe it was his call…’- RCB great questions Rahul Dravid’s sudden Rajasthan Royals exit before IPL 2026

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:46:40 GMT

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star AB de Villiers recently expressed curiosity about Rahul Dravid’s sudden exit from Rajasthan Royals, questioning whether there might have been any discontent between the two parties. His comments drew attention as Dravid’s sudden exit turned into a surprising twist in the IPL.

Rahul Dravid had joined Rajasthan Royals as head coach ahead of the 2025 IPL season on a multi-year agreement. With his immense coaching experience and stature as one of India’s most respected cricketing minds, the move was seen as a major boost for the franchise, raising hopes of long-term progress and stability.

However, Rajasthan Royals announced Dravid’s exit after just one season. The official statement revealed that the franchise had offered him a “broader role” within their structure, but the former Indian coach turned it down. This decision left fans and cricket experts speculating about the real reasons behind his brief stint.

AB de Villiers Expresses Curiosity About Rahul Dravid’s Sudden Exit:

The first-ever IPL champions had a disappointing campaign this season, managing just four victories from 14 matches and ending ninth on the table. Reflecting on Rahul Dravid’s unexpected exit from Rajasthan Royals, AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on the matter during a discussion on his YouTube channel, sparking curiosity among fans.

ABD said, “ It sounds to me like it was an owner's call, a management kind of call. They gave him an option to have a broader role in the team, which he turned down. Maybe he was upset and he wanted to still be involved in that dugout.”

He further said, “ Maybe it was his call. But Rahul leaves big footsteps behind and big shoes to fill. He is a larger than life kind of character and knows a lot about the game. I personally have spoken to youngsters before, where many speak about him having a huge influence in their careers.”

He added, “ The coaches and managers in leagues are under pressure to produce results and win trophies. Once they don't, they start hearing from owners. We don't know the facts but given he turned down the other role, maybe he was kicked out, which is never ideal. But maybe Rajasthan have different ideas for the upcoming season. Maybe they want to shake things up a bit and move forward.”

Rahul Dravid led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup win before joining Rajasthan Royals. His move to the IPL franchise came soon after achieving international success, raising expectations for a strong impact in the league.

RR’s 2025 IPL Auction Didn’t Impress Former RCB Player:

AB de Villiers raised questions about Rajasthan Royals’ decisions both before and during the IPL 2025 auction, particularly after the team’s poor outing in the previous season. His remarks highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s planning and strategy. Ahead of the auction, RR retained six key players — Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer.

However, the franchise surprised many by parting ways with several big names, including Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal. These moves sparked debate among fans and experts about whether the Royals had taken the right approach in reshaping their squad.

He further said, “ I didn't think they had the greatest auction last time. They let go of some incredible players like Jos Buttler and a few others, which I thought was a mistake. Sometimes it's a good thing but not overly aggressive. You can let one or two go but they let a huge bulk of their team go at once. It should be more gradual.”

From 2022 to 2024, Rajasthan Royals enjoyed notable success, with Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal making significant contributions. The team reached the final in 2022, finishing as runners-up, and managed to secure a playoff spot in 2024, showcasing consistency during that cycle.

Kumar Sangakkara Likely to Join KKR Support Staff Ahead of Next Season: Report

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:10:19 GMT

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the three-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for a mentorship role ahead of the IPL 2026 season. KKR won the 2024 season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. That was also the year Gautam Gambhir, a former two-time IPL-winning KKR captain, rejoined the team as a mentor.

Sangakkara in Talks with KKR

Sources told The Telegraph that Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021, has decided to leave the franchise. India’s T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the Royals ahead of the 2026 season, and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour may also join him.

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KKR already have Chandrakant Pandit as head coach, Bharat Arun as bowling coach, Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach in Gautam Gambhir’s support staff. Reports say KKR are in advanced talks with Sangakkara, though he is also considering offers from other franchises. A final decision is expected soon.

🚨| It's been heard that Kumar Sangakkara has shown interest in joining KKR’s support staff.

~ Rohit Juglan pic.twitter.com/s5yRILMyY0
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) August 13, 2025

Sanju Samson Trade Talks

The BCCI is likely to announce the terms of retention for franchises this month, starting the process for the mega auction. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is on KKR’s radar. Reports say KKR are open to a player trade with RR — something CSK refused when asked for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube in exchange. KKR are reportedly willing to offer young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh to secure Samson.

Sanju Samson set to stay with Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 despite CSK, KKR transfer buzz

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:21:44 GMT

Sanju Samson is set to stay with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, and the question marks over a potential trade to either the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or, perhaps, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can be put to bed once and for all. The franchise has no intention of transferring their star wicketkeeper-batter, and he remains an important part of their plans moving forward.

There was a lot of commotion on social media during the IPL trade window, which began to grow rapidly after the Rajasthan Royals' disappointing 2025 campaign. This noise was added due to the fact that Samson missed a lot of the season due to injury and only played nine matches, hitting 285 runs, with the only fifty being a dubious fifty. Not helping matters was that Rajasthan finished ninth on the table, and junior teammate Vaibhav Suryavanshi had a strong season on debut, which led to speculation that a leadership change could be imminent.

However, a source close to the franchise has dismissed these reports, saying, “RR has decided not to trade Samson or any of their players for now. Samson is very much a part of the Royals' set-up and the undisputed captain of the team.” This statement comes amid reports that CSK, who also had a dismal 2025 season, were looking to bring in Samson as a long-term replacement in their leadership group.

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Samju Samson Dismisses Transfer Speculation, Set to Lead RR as Captain in IPL 2026

Samson's response to the speculation was minimal but spoke volumes. "Onnum parayanilla" was the simple answer from the 30-year-old when asked about possibly signing with CSK. Translated from Malayalam, this means "I have nothing to say."

Samson has a long history with the Royals, having first signed with them in 2013. Apart from the 2 seasons that RR were suspended (2016-17), he has remained loyal to them and has scored over 4000 runs in the pink uniform. Now that this has been cleared up, all RR fans can hope to see their captain lead them into the battle yet again in 2026, and hopefully, both Samson and the team will rebound from a disappointing season last year.

SL vs BAN 2025: RR star player ruled out of Bangladesh T20Is with hamstring injury

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:36:22 GMT

Sri Lanka has been dealt a major blow ahead of their home T20I series against Bangladesh, as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The leg-spinner sustained the injury during the recently concluded ODI series but still featured in the final match, where he picked up two wickets and scored a useful unbeaten 14. However, despite undergoing MRI scans, Hasaranga is not expected to recover in time for the T20Is, starting July 10 in Kandy.

Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s lineup. A proven match-winner in the shortest format, he has played 79 T20Is, taking 131 wickets at an economy of under seven, while also contributing over 700 runs with the bat. His deceptive variations, especially the googly and quicker ones, make him a constant threat, particularly on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches. Against Bangladesh, he has six wickets in just four T20I innings.

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Sri Lanka Look to Fill Hasaranga Void as T20I Series Against Bangladesh Begins

The timing of his injury couldn’t be worse for the hosts, who were hoping to carry momentum from their 2-1 ODI series win. Sri Lanka started that series with a dominant 77-run victory, slipped in the second match, but bounced back in style to win the decider by 99 runs in Pallekele. Kusal Mendis starred with a century, while skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed a fifty. The bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera, made light work of the Bangladesh batting in the final ODI.

The T20I series kicks off on July 10 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second match is scheduled for July 13 in Dambulla, followed by the third and final game on July 16 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

With Hasaranga out, Sri Lanka may look towards young leg-spinner Dunith Wellalage or an extra seamer, depending on the conditions. But replacing a player of Hasaranga’s all-round calibre will not be easy, and his absence could tilt the balance slightly in Bangladesh’s favour.

Yashasvi Jaiswal revised his caption to put end to false narratives after his latest Instragram post

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:29:44 GMT

Yashasvi Jaiswal went quietly about putting an end to speculation regarding his future with the Rajasthan Royals, not by a press statement, but in a few carefully selected words on Instagram. It started with a heartfelt post following the Royals' exit from IPL 2025. Jaiswal had written: "Thank you, Rajasthan Royals, for everything. Not the season we hoped for, but grateful for the journey."

Although the message was one of thanksgiving, it bred speculation among the fans and the media. Specifically, the line "grateful for the journey" raised alarm, as many saw it as a potential goodbye to the franchise, particularly after a dismal conclusion to the Royals' season.

Jaiswal's caption change calms fears of the supporters, suggesting unrelenting Royals' commitment and loyalty to their India duty

Seeing the emergence of false news, Jaiswal revised his caption and, with that, cleared the air. The revised caption is now: "Thanks, Rajasthan Royals, for it all. Not the campaign we had in mind, but still thankful for our time together. On to the next one and whatever comes next."

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Two subtle but significant changes were notable. One, "grateful for the journey" was replaced by "grateful for our time together," a change that highlighted his affiliation with the franchise. Two, the inclusion of the Indian flag emoji following "on to the next one" signified that his priority of choice now is playing for the national team, not jumping between IPL franchises.

The transition, though subtle as it was, came as a relief to fans who had feared a sudden departure. Jaiswal's maturity and tact in managing the incident without fanfare and drama were well appreciated by fans. At 23, Jaiswal is still proving himself on and off the pitch. Having got the IPL out of the way, his focus now shifts to national duty, and if his confidence and composure are anything to go by, India is in for a treat. Jaiswal is not leaving anytime soon. True Blue to the Royals. Set for whatever comes next in India blue.

Bad news for RR and CSK: Star players will miss IPL 2025

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:31:41 GMT

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt a hard blow before IPL 2025 resumes on May 17. RR's ace pacer Jofra Archer, who was going to play the last two league matches, has been ruled out with a new injury, shattering hopes of his availability for the tournament. On the other hand, CSK's ace all-rounder Sam Curran has decided not to return to India; the team is already eliminated from the playoff race, currently placed in 10th position with 6 points from 12 matches.

The IPL was postponed for a week on May 9 when tensions between Pakistan and India escalated, resulting in air raid alerts during a Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. A May 10 ceasefire relieved pressure, and the BCCI moved to reschedule the tournament with the final then fixed for June 3. But the teams are still dealing with the fallout of the no-shows caused by injuries and national duties, notably to vital overseas players Archer and Curran, affecting especially RR, at 9th place with 6 points, and CSK as they run through the balance of matches.

For RR, Archer's injury is a significant blow since he was meant to strengthen their bowling attack in the pivotal latter part of the tournament. An RR official confirmed that Archer will not be taking any more part in the IPL, although there's no indication of an interim replacement. CSK has opted not to apply for a replacement for Curran because of his ongoing injury and the need to focus on getting him fit rather than on a return, with them now out of playoff contention.

Uncertainty Surrounds Other English Players

The report further points out that a number of English players, such as Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, and Liam Livingstone, are heading back to India for the resumption of the IPL. Yet, their presence in the playoff stage is uncertain owing to national obligations, namely England's white-ball series against the West Indies from May 23, which conflicts with the latter stages of the IPL.

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Also hanging in the balance is the availability of RCB's explosive opener Phil Salt, for whom the participation is still unclear, although other English players are back on the field. RCB, placed 2nd with 16 points from 11 games, will be hoping to get confirmation about Salt's availability as they seek to win their maiden IPL trophy for this delayed season.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi – The New Sultan of Sixes in IPL 2025!

Sun, 11 May 2025 11:07:08 GMT

In a season dominated by big batting performances, it's explosive and talented Vaibhav Suryavanshi who has emerged as the most effective six-hitter of IPL 2025. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Suryavanshi has shown an incredible balls-per-six ratio of only 4.63, the highest in the tournament among batsmen having a minimum of 10 sixes. The 21-year-old phenom hit 16 sixes in 74 balls, declaring himself to be one of the most threatening finishers in the league this year.

Lying second to him in the ranking are some names who have become known in the game of T20 cricket. West Indian left-hander Nicholas Pooran, representing Lucknow Super Giants, is ranked second with 6.00 balls per six, having slammed 34 sixes in 204 balls. Next in the queue is Abdul Samad, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad with a ranking of 6.14, demonstrating his power with 14 sixes in 86 balls. Such statistics highlight the supremacy of Suryavanshi over a few of the game's biggest explosive hitters.

Even hard-hitters like Tim David (6.86) and Andre Russell (7.21), known for their big-hitting capabilities, fall behind the young Indian talent. With just a handful of games under his belt, Suryavanshi’s consistency and fearlessness against pace and spin have been impressive. His ability to clear the boundary regularly with minimal dot balls is what sets him apart.

Young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi tops IPL 2025 with the best balls-per-six ratio with 4.63.#vaibhavsuryavanshi pic.twitter.com/0kQzkSSAoP
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 11, 2025

Also read:

A Rising Star in the Making

Suryavanshi’s emergence has brought a new spark to Rajasthan Royals' batting line-up. Often used as a floater, he has consistently provided late-innings firepower, turning tight games in his team's favor. His clean hitting, especially against spinners in the middle overs, has drawn comparisons to Indian greats like Yusuf Pathan and Hardik Pandya during their prime.

As the IPL progresses into its crucial final weeks, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching if the youngster can maintain his red-hot form. With India’s T20 squad soon to be announced for the World Cup later this year, there’s already buzz that Suryavanshi might find a spot as a surprise package.

His IPL 2025 showing proves that a new six-hitting superstar may just be on the rise.

Former England football manager to attend KKR vs RR match at Eden Gardens tomorrow: Report

Sat, 03 May 2025 22:03:07 GMT

Former England football manager Gareth Southgate will carry on his surprise Indian cricket tour after visiting the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) match at Eden Gardens tomorrow. His surprise visit earlier this week at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, during which he wore an RR jersey for their face-off against the Mumbai Indians, had already created a stir on social media.

The veteran football strategist, who led England to the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championship finals in 2020 and 2024, looked very much involved when he watched the IPL match at Jaipur. Sitting next to Olympic medallist and BJP MP Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Southgate was observed intently watching the proceedings and cheering both teams which indicated a non-committal yet positive attitude towards the high-velocity nature of cricket.

Supporters were both amazed and fascinated by his appearance, with many guessing at a deeper cricket affiliation. Some even discovered a 2016 village cricket scorecard, where Southgate, after England's early Euro exit, was spotted playing for Yorkshire's Nidderdale League. That ancient tale, combined with his recent IPL 2025 appearances, suggests a long but secret love of the game.

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After Jaipur, Southgate set to witness more IPL action

Though his first-time IPL appearance concluded in disappointment for the Royals, who were eliminated from the playoff contention following a 100-run thrashing at the hands of Mumbai Indians, Southgate's sporting interest remained unfazed. His next trip to Eden Gardens one of the world's most famous cricket arenas promises another drama, particularly with both KKR and RR seeking vital points during the final leg of the league stage.

Southgate resigned as England manager in mid-2024 after a close loss to Spain in the Euro final.Sitting idle and with a clear love for sport, his tour of India is generating cross-sport admiration and even suggestions of possible collaborations on coaching, leadership, or sporting development.

Whether this is a portent of more serious engagement with cricket or just a post-retirement indulgence, Southgate's IPL tour has already won fans on two continents.

Super Sixes Challenge back in action at sunday’s KKR vs RR showdown

Sat, 03 May 2025 20:48:35 GMT

Cricket fans traveling to Eden Gardens on Sunday for the IPL 2025 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals are in for more than the deciding clash the very popular Super Sixes Challenge is back, infusing another dose of fun to the spectators.

A crowd-pleaser among supporters, the Super Sixes Challenge gives matchday celebrations an interactive twist, with fortunate fans having the opportunity to show off their big-hitting skills before the game. With sixes flying in the game and now in the stands as well, Eden Gardens is sure to be electric and charged with excitement.

This added excitement arrives at a pivotal juncture of KKR's season. Still competing for a playoff position, they need to win all their remaining games to draw level on 17 points a challenge, but not a far-fetched one. Saturday's game is their second-last home game, and victory is not negotiable to continue their playoff hopes alive.

ALSO SEE:CSK VS RCB IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV.

High stakes and big hits await fans at Eden Gardens on Sunday

KKR gave us a glimpse of their best in the last match against Delhi Capitals. Rinku Singh and Andre Russell found their touch again, and Sunil Narine was back to his best in terms of wicket-taking. But consistency has been their biggest problem, and they will need Venkatesh Iyer and others to deliver if they are to make a serious playoff push.

For RR, now out, pride and planning for the future take center stage. Young guns such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal have burst onto the scene in moments, but the team has been unable to carry the momentum through. With Sanju Samson and Sandeep Sharma being rested, this is an opportunity for young players to make a claim for IPL 2026.

With big-stakes cricket on the pitch and the crowd-pleasing Super Sixes Challenge back off it, Sunday's game at Eden Gardens is set to be a thrilling spectacle. For spectators, it's an opportunity to see not only the heroes on the pitch but perhaps even become one themselves, at least for a few adrenaline-fueled swings of the bat.

RR vs MI : Match 50 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

Thu, 01 May 2025 17:24:04 GMT

The match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Mumbai Indians is set to take place on May 01, 2025, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This fixture promises an intense battle between two power-packed teams as IPL 2025 enters a crucial phase.

Match Details:

Date: May 01, 2025
Time: 07:30 PM IST
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Win % Batting First: 46%
Win % Bowling First: 54%

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Weather and Pitch Conditions:

Weather:

The weather in Jaipur is expected to be warm and dry, with clear skies throughout the match duration.
Humidity: Around 30%, offering comfortable playing conditions for the teams.
Rain: No rain is forecast, ensuring a full 40-over game without interruptions.

Pitch:

The Sawai Mansingh Stadium surface is typically known for being slow and low, especially in the second half.
In the initial overs, pacers may extract some movement, but it becomes more spin-friendly as the game progresses.
Batters will have to be cautious while accelerating, especially in the middle overs, due to the dry and worn nature of the pitch.
Stroke-making is possible early in the innings, but bowlers will dominate in the second half.

Average Score Batting First (Last Season): 157
Average Score Batting Second (Last Season): 149
Wins Batting First in Last Five Games: 2
Wins Bowling First in Last Five Games: 3

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Venue Records: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur

Highest Team Total: 217/4 by Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Lowest Team Total: 92 all out by Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals
Average First Innings Score: Around 155 runs