IPL 2025: 5 Flop Signings of Rajasthan Royals (RR)

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) entered the IPL 2025 season with high expectations, aiming to build upon their third-place finish the previous year. However, the squad struggled to maintain consistency and ended the season with 3 wins and 9 losses, finishing near the bottom of the standings.

Several high-profile acquisitions from the IPL 2025 auction failed to deliver the expected impact, contributing to the team’s underwhelming campaign. Injuries and poor form among key players further hampered RR’s progress, resulting in their early elimination from playoff contention.

Here are the 5 flop signings of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025:

1. Tushar Deshpande

RR's acquisition of Tushar Deshpande for ₹6.5 crore was expected to boost their pace attack. However, he was erratic and frequently leaked runs at vital times. His inability to provide match-winning spells revealed RR's bowling weaknesses.

Deshpande grabbed six wickets in eight games, with an economy rate of 11.25. His lack of variation and control in the death overs made it difficult for RR to defend totals, further taxing their already limited bowling resources.

2. Shubham Dubey

Shubham Dubey, who is renowned for his power hitting in domestic cricket, was added to RR's middle order to strengthen it. Despite getting off to a respectable start, he struggled to keep up his momentum and rarely made a regular contribution. RR's scoring momentum was harmed by his poor performance throughout crucial moments.

With one undefeated knock of 34*. He amassed 99 runs at a strike rate of 167.67. Because of his incapacity to lead innings or deliver spectacular finishes, RR was left in need of dependable middle-order options.

3. Shimron Hetmyer

Though technically a retention, Shimron Hetmyer staying with RR for INR 11 crores surprised many. Shimron Hetmyer's decision to stay with RR for INR 11 crores surprised many, even though it was technically a retention.  Hetmyer, who was kept for his ability to finish, was unable to duplicate previous results and only produced a few significant innings over the season.

 His subpar play made RR's middle-order problems worse.  With Hetmyer at the crease in the last over of two games, RR was unable to pursue nine runs.  In close matches, his inability to close games or score runs quickly in the latter innings proved expensive.

4. Nitish Rana

When RR purchased Nitish Rana for INR 4.20 crores, he seemed revitalized following a high-profile fallout with KKR following the 2024 Indian Premier League. He was supposed to stabilize the batting order, but his campaign was cut short by a calf injury before he could leave a lasting impression.

Rana, who frequently batted at No. 3, amassed 217 runs in 11 games, including two fifties. His injury brought to light RR's poor decision to over-rely on big-name players rather than aiming for role-specific quality at the auction.

5. Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma was retained by RR for INR 4 crores as an uncapped player. He was supposed to spearhead the attack with Jofra Archer, after spending two successful IPL seasons at RR with a combined total of 23 wickets.

However, he only took nine wickets at an economy of 9.89 in ten games before being sidelined due to a fractured finger. Sandeep, who is known for his slower deliveries and yorkers, was unable to deliver while under duress. RR regretted their auction choices and had to rely on backups.

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