Rajasthan Royals (RR) have found themselves out of the playoff race in IPL 2025 after a series of disappointing performances. On Friday, the team was defeated by Mumbai Indians (MI) by a massive 100 runs, leaving them with eight losses and three wins, and positioning them ninth in the points table. The loss to MI added another blow to RR’s already troubled season, with their prospects of qualifying for the playoffs now over.
Former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) player Abhinav Mukund has raised concerns over RR’s mega auction strategy and how it has contributed to their disastrous IPL 2025 campaign. Speaking after RR’s heavy loss to MI, Mukund criticized the team’s management for overspending on batters while neglecting their bowling attack.
Overspending on Batters and Neglecting Bowling
Mukund took particular aim at RR’s spending spree on batting talent in the IPL 2025 mega auction held in Jeddah last year. The former CSK player suggested that the franchise’s overinvestment in batters like Nitish Rana and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was a misguided strategy. “How much ever I think, I would have still not bought Vaibhav Suryavanshi for INR 1.1 crore, and Nitish Rana for INR 3 crore (INR 4.2 crore). I would have invested that money in a couple of good bowlers,” Mukund remarked during an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
Mukund’s remarks were particularly pointed about Suryavanshi, who had been dismissed for a two-ball duck against MI in their IPL 2025 clash. He also criticized the purchase of Nitish Rana, who struggled with a 9-run knock from 11 balls in the same match.
Weak Bowling and Injuries Add to RR’s Woes
RR’s bowling attack has been a significant weak point this season, with injuries to key players compounding the problem. Star bowlers Sandeep Sharma and Wanindu Hasaranga were ruled out before the match against MI, leaving RR with a depleted bowling lineup. Mukund pointed out that despite spending a significant amount of money on Jofra Archer, RR’s overall bowling strategy has been ineffective.
“They’ve spent the most money on Archer, but their Indian pick didn’t go well. Tushar Deshpande, who was benched for this particular game, was bought for a lot of money (INR 6.75 crore),” Mukund added.
The MI Loss and RR’s Struggles
In their defeat to MI, RR was tasked with chasing a massive target of 218 runs. Despite half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Rohit Sharma (53), RR’s chase faltered, and they were bowled out for just 117 runs in 16.1 overs. MI’s bowlers, Karn Sharma and Trent Boult, took three wickets each to seal RR’s fate.
RR’s inability to execute a solid bowling plan, coupled with the failure of their expensive batting investments, has been a recurring theme throughout the season. The team’s auction decisions, which favored batters over bowlers, have left them in a precarious position.
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