Image: Rajasthan Royals struggle in IPL 2025, eliminated after just 3 wins in 12 matches / © Business Standard
The team which has been consistently dominating in the past few seasons faced a major setback in the recent IPL 2025 season, as in the IPL 2025 Auction, the team lost quality players such as Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, Jos Buttler, R Ashwin, and many more. This seriously impacted the balance of their squad, and they struggled to find the right combinations. On top of that, injuries to key players like Sanju Samson and Sandeep Sharma further weakened their campaign, making it difficult for the team to maintain any momentum. When we talk about the points table of the IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals have had a season to forget.
Out of the 12 matches they have played so far, they have managed to win just 3 games while losing 9, collecting only 6 points. Their net run rate of -0.718 reflects the heavy defeats they have suffered during the tournament. As a result, the Royals find themselves languishing near the bottom of the table and have been knocked out of the playoffs race. Lack of consistency in both batting and bowling, coupled with the absence of experienced leaders, has left the team looking unsettled. Young players have failed to step up under pressure, and the Royals have not been able to defend or chase targets with confidence.
With the team assembled and everything ready for the IPL 2025, the Rajasthan Royals started their campaign with hopes of lifting their second IPL title. However, the journey so far has been full of ups and downs. After 12 matches, the Royals have won only 3 and lost 9, struggling to build any real momentum throughout the season. Their season began with a tough challenge against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad. SRH posted a massive total of 286 for 6. Rajasthan fought hard but could only manage 242 for 6 in response, losing by 44 runs despite a strong batting effort and in their next match against Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati, RR could only score 151 for 9 as KKR chased the target with ease, winning by 8 wickets with 15 balls to spare.
| Date | Match No. | Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Mar ’25 | 2nd | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | SRH won by 44 runs |
| 26 Mar ’25 | 6th | Kolkata Knight Riders | Guwahati | KKR won by 8 wickets |
| 30 Mar ’25 | 11th | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | RR won by 6 runs |
| 05 Apr ’25 | 18th | Punjab Kings | Mullanpur | RR won by 50 runs |
| 09 Apr ’25 | 23rd | Gujarat Titans | Ahmedabad | GT won by 58 runs |
| 13 Apr ’25 | 28th | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Jaipur | RCB won by 9 wickets |
| 16 Apr ’25 | 32nd | Delhi Capitals | Delhi | Match tied (DC won Super Over) |
| 19 Apr ’25 | 36th | Lucknow Super Giants | Jaipur | LSG won by 2 runs |
| 24 Apr ’25 | 42nd | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru | RCB won by 11 runs |
| 28 Apr ’25 | 47th | Gujarat Titans | Jaipur | RR won by 8 wickets |
| 01 May ’25 | 50th | Mumbai Indians | Jaipur | MI won by 100 runs |
| 04 May ’25 | 53rd | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | KKR won by 1 run |
RR finally registered their first win of the season in the third match, defeating Chennai Super Kings by 6 runs. They defended 182 successfully in a tight contest in Guwahati. The Royals followed it up with an even more dominant performance against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur as they posted 205 for 4 and restricted Punjab to 155 for 9, winning by a big 50-run margin. But after two back-to-back wins, things started to go downhill again and against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, the Royals gave away 217 runs and were bowled out for 159, losing by 58 runs.
In the next match, they hosted Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Jaipur. RR scored 173 for 4, but RCB chased it down comfortably, winning by 9 wickets with 15 balls remaining. The game against Delhi Capitals in Delhi was one of the closest of the season. Both teams ended with the same score of 188. However, DC won the Super Over, handing RR yet another heartbreaking defeat and then came a narrow 2-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. RR fell just short while chasing 181, losing despite a good start.
In their second match against RCB, this time in Bengaluru, RR failed to chase down a target of 206. They managed 194 for 9 and lost by 11 runs. But in the next match, the Royals bounced back in grand style. Facing Gujarat Titans in Jaipur again, RR chased down 210 with ease, scoring 212 for 2 in just 15.5 overs. It was their most dominant win of the season, with the top-order firing beautifully. Unfortunately, that win was followed by their worst defeat of the season as against Mumbai Indians at home, the Royals collapsed for just 117 while chasing 218.
MI won by 100 runs, dealing a huge blow to Rajasthan’s net run rate. Their most recent match, against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata, was yet another close game. RR fell short by just 1 run while chasing 207, ending on 205 for 8. The Royals have lost several close games this season. They’ve been competitive in most matches, but have failed to close them out while injuries to key players like Sanju Samson and a lack of depth in both batting and bowling have hurt them badly.
For the team in the IPL 2025, the main stars have been the young Indian talents who stepped up despite Rajasthan Royals having a tough season. Among the batters, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been the most consistent performer. In 12 matches, he scored 473 runs at an average of 43.00 and a strike rate of 154.57. His highest score was 75, and he notched up five fifties, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings and score quickly. He also smashed 46 fours and 25 sixes, making him one of the top contributors with the bat as Riyan Parag has also impressed with his explosive stroke play in the middle order as he scored 377 runs in 12 innings at a brilliant strike rate of 170.58 and an average of 37.70.
His top score of 95 highlighted his potential, and he hit 27 fours and 26 sixes throughout the season. Wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel added value with 249 runs in 11 innings, averaging 31.12 with a strike rate of 146.47, including a crucial fifty. In the bowling department, Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 10 wickets in 9 games at an economy of 9.14. Theekshana and Jofra Archer also claimed 11 wickets each but struggled with economy rates above 9 and with the batters shining more than the bowlers, Rajasthan’s season had bright individual performances but lacked team balance.
As the IPL 2025 resumes for the upcoming stage and the league nears its end, Rajasthan Royals still have two matches left to play. They are scheduled to face Punjab Kings on 18 May at their home ground in Jaipur, followed by a clash against Chennai Super Kings in Delhi on 20 May. While the Royals are already out of the playoff race, these matches will be crucial in helping the team end their season on a positive note and possibly avoid finishing at the bottom of the table and to strengthen their squad amid a tough run of injuries, the team has made a couple of changes.
South African all-rounder Lhuan-dre Pretorius has been brought in as a replacement for Nitish Rana, who has been ruled out due to injury. Pretorius is known for his power-hitting and can also contribute with the ball, making him a valuable asset for the remaining games. In the bowling department, Rajasthan have signed Nandre Burger to replace Sandeep Sharma, who has also been sidelined with injury as Burger, a left-arm pacer from South Africa, brings extra pace and variety to the bowling attack.