Rajasthan Royals retains Sanju Samson for IPL 2022 - Reports

Rajasthan Royals have reportedly retained skipper Sanju Samson as their first player for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022.  Jos Buttler, pacer Jofra Archer, all-rounder Liam Livingstone, and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the other players the Royals are likely to retain for the next three years. It was a no-brainer that Samson would be retained considering the breakthrough season he had with the franchise during the 2021 season of the IPL. Even though he could not take the team through the playoffs, he showed that great skills with the bat and scored over 400 runs.

England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler too had a good season. He was at his brutal best at the top of the order and laid the perfect foundation for the middle order to flourish. It is learnt that Buttler will be the second player whom Royals are likely to retain.

Ben Stokes' status is not clear. The talismanic all-rounder missed playing for the Royals in the previous season due to injury and mental health issues. The all-rounder has just returned to training but it is not clear whether he will participate in the IPL 2022 or nit. Jofra Archer, who also was not part of IPL for Royals in 2021, is likely to be retained as the third player by the franchise. However, his recurring elbow issues could prove to be a hindrance.

Livingstone and Jaiswal are likely to be considered for retention as well. The franchise is likely to finalize the remaining three slots on November 28.