Rajasthan Royals

"The Orange KINGS"
"Rise Up to Every Challenge"
#PlayWithFire

History

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) is one of the original franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), founded in 2008 when the league was established. Based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and playing home games at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the Royals have a rich and unique history, known for their underdog spirit and innovative strategies.

Foundation and Ownership

Initial Ownership: Rajasthan Royals was initially owned by Emerging Media IPL Ltd., a company controlled by Manoj Badale, a British entrepreneur, who later became the principal co-owner of the team. Other key figures involved in the franchise’s ownership included Shilpa Shetty and her husband, Raj Kundra, who played an influential role in the team’s operations and media presence.

Changes in Ownership: In 2015, following the controversy surrounding spot-fixing and corruption charges in the IPL, the ownership of the Rajasthan Royals saw some changes. The franchise was temporarily suspended from the league for two years, from 2016 to 2017. During this period, Manoj Badale and his partners retained control, but they were required to undergo significant changes in how the team was managed to ensure it met the integrity standards set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Current Ownership and Direction: The current ownership structure of the Rajasthan Royals is led by Manoj Badale, with the team being run by a group of investors and directors, including international partners from the UK. Their strategic direction still remains focused on developing young talent and creating a balanced team that emphasizes long-term success over short-term gains.

Image Courtesy: IANS/Ravishankar Vyas

Homeground

The Rajasthan Royals’ home ground is the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This iconic venue has a seating capacity of approximately 30,000 and is known for its electrifying atmosphere, especially during IPL matches.

Rajasthan Royals Colors and Logo

The Rajasthan Royals' crest, designed by British firm Venturethree, was established in 2008 as the IPL's initial team. Its goal was not only to give distinctive identification but also to create a direct link between the club and its fans by representing the team's attitude and ideals.

Royal blue, the dominant color in the team emblem, holds significant religious significance in Hindu mythology, closely linked to Lord Krishna. This color adds a contemporary twist to the regal emblem, showcasing the fusion of modernity and tradition that defines the team ethos. (Malhotra, 2024)

Early Years and Performances

Early Success and 2008 Championship

The Rajasthan Royals rose to prominence in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Under the leadership of the legendary Shane Warne, who was both captain and coach, they defied all odds to claim the championship title. The team was largely seen as an underdog, with lesser-known players and fewer big names, but Warne's mentorship and strategic brilliance helped RR clinch the trophy, beating the Chennai Super Kings in the final. Young talents like Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja emerged during this season, setting the foundation for their future cricketing careers.

Ups and Downs (2009-2012)

Following their successful debut, Rajasthan Royals had mixed fortunes over the next few years. Inconsistent performances and frequent lineup changes made it challenging for the team to recreate their 2008 success. However, during this period, RR continued to identify and nurture emerging talents. Players like Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, and Stuart Binny gained prominence with RR, showcasing the franchise's eye for discovering young talent. Despite on-field struggles, the Royals consistently upheld their reputation as a team that focused on skill development and innovation.

Controversies and Suspension (2013-2015)

In 2013, Rajasthan Royals faced a major setback when three of their players were implicated in a spot-fixing scandal. This incident tarnished the team's reputation and led to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) imposing penalties. The controversy escalated further, and in 2015, both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings were suspended from the IPL for two years due to their involvement in corruption issues. This suspension meant that RR missed the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

RR's Return in the Field (2018-Present)

IPL 2018: Rajasthan Royals made a strong comeback to the IPL after a two-year suspension and reached the playoffs. Ajinkya Rahane, Jos Buttler, and Sanju Samson were key performers. Buttler’s shift to opening proved successful, as he played several match-winning innings. However, they were eliminated in the Eliminator by Kolkata Knight Riders. They finished in 4th spot.

IPL 2019: Despite high expectations, the Royals struggled with consistency and ended up in 7th place. Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership was challenged, leading to Steve Smith taking over as captain midway through the season. While individual performances, particularly from Sanju Samson and Shreyas Gopal, were impressive, the team couldn’t string together enough wins.

IPL 2020: In a season held in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Royals had a disappointing campaign, finishing last. Despite the batting power of Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Steve Smith, the team couldn’t find its rhythm, struggling especially with consistency in both batting and bowling. However, Rahul Tewatia’s memorable 5-sixes-over against Kings XI Punjab stood out as one of the season's highlights.

IPL 2021: With a new captain in Sanju Samson, the Royals showed promise but ultimately couldn’t make the playoffs, finishing 7th. Injuries and the absence of key overseas players affected the team’s performance. Samson was the top scorer, but Rajasthan lacked depth and consistency in bowling, which led to several high-scoring losses.

IPL 2022: It was one of the Royals’ best seasons in recent years. With the likes of Jos Buttler, who scored over 800 runs and clinched the Orange Cap, and top performances from Yuzvendra Chahal (Purple Cap winner), the team had a solid campaign. They reached the final but lost to Gujarat Titans in the title clash. Rajasthan’s strong performances in both batting and bowling made them a top contender throughout the season.

IPL 2023: Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season, powered by a mix of experienced and young players. However, they fell short of consistency in the latter half, finishing just outside the playoff spots in 5th place.

IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals had a competitive season, making it into the playoffs and fighting hard in the qualifiers. They displayed a well-rounded performance, with both their batting and bowling lineups showing strength throughout the tournament. Although they couldn’t make it to the finals, their consistent play allowed them to reach the top four.