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Former Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mark Boucher came down heavily on Rajasthan Royals (RR) for their poor run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RR quashed their chances of comeback with two losses in thrilling unsuccessful run chases. After the defeats against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), former Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ambati Rayudu and Boucher questioned RR for investing in youngsters and not going for established players.
"I've always had this question in my mind when it comes to RR: they've invested so much in youngsters over the years. What have they gotten out of it? It's been 17 years since they've won an IPL, and they always showcase this as if it's their strength. It is some great charity that they're doing for the game, but it is not. You're here to compete," Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo's Timeout.
"You're here to win the IPL, and there are ways teams have adopted to win the IPL, and you don't follow any of those. You have your own path, and you justify it year after year. And you want people to come on board and appreciate you for the good team that you are by giving youngsters all over the world a good opportunity in the IPL," he added.
RR let go of their star performer Jos Buttler. They retained the likes of Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel for hefty amounts. Parag and Jurel have not been impressive this season as RR have botched up runchases. Boucher feels IPL is not a breeding ground for talent, but finished products. He questioned their auction strategy.
"Yeah, I just and this goes for any franchise. I don't think that the IPL is a breeding ground for talent. I think it's for a finished product. Yeah, I mean you don't, no team will ever come into the IPL thinking, okay well, we've got a team here that I think is gonna do well in the next three years. That's what you go to auction for," said the former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter.
Rajasthan Royals' next match
RR can still qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs but currently they are eighth on the points table. Their next match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 24. The major positive for them is that RCB are yet to win a match at their homeground, M.Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.
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