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5 Most Expensive Buys By Rajasthan Royals In IPL History – Where Are They Now?

Right from the inception of the competition, Rajasthan Royals employed the “Moneyball” strategy while procuring players in the auctions. However, after they returned from their two-year ban, the season one champions have been more open with their tactics at the auction. Interestingly, all of RR’s top five signings in IPL history have been after they returned from the ban in 2018. On that note, in this article, we take a look at what the five most expensive buys by Rajasthan Royals in IPL history are up to at the moment.

5. Jofra Archer – 7.2 CR (IPL 2018)

Jofra Archer is one of the most expensive buys by Rajasthan Royals in IPL history. Although he was yet to make a mark at the international level, Archer had already proved that he was special. Hence, RR signed him up for INR 7.2 CR. 

Ahead of IPL 2022 Mega-Auctions, Archer has been released by the franchise. The English pacer has not played competitive cricket for a while now. His injury issues have not allowed him to play the recent T20 World Cup and the Ashes. It is expected that he would return to the field in 2022. 

4. Sanju Samson – 8 CR (IPL 2018)

Sanju Samson emerged into the limelight after his stint with RR. However, after the team was banned, Samson spent some time at Delhi Capitals. At IPL 2018 Mega-Auctions, though, RR was intent on signing back the talent that they had discovered. Hence, they paid 8 CR for the Kerala player.

The wicket-keeper batsman is currently the captain of the franchise. He has been retained ahead of IPL 2022 and will headline the new era for the franchise. However, with Team India, Sanju is struggling to find a place. He is currently out of contention in both the shorter formats.

3. Jaydev Unadkat – 11.5 CR (IPL 2018) & 8.4 Cr (IPL 2019)

Jaydev Unadkat had an excellent stint with Rising Pune Supergiants. Hence, the demand for him was high in IPL 2018. RR went full stretch to get him onboard. They released him after IPL 2018 but again in the IPL 2019 auctions, RR paid a record salary to get him back.

Released by RR ahead of IPL 2022, Unadkat will feature in the auctions. Although he is away from Team India, his form has been good in the domestic competitions. If he can have a good Ranji Trophy, an India comeback cannot be ruled out.

2. Ben Stokes – 12.5 CR (IPL 2018)

An elite all-rounder, it was certain that Ben Stokes would go big at IPL 2018 Auctions. RR had changed its strategy at the auctions, and they made Stokes their costliest signing in IPL history. So far, the Englishman has played 31 games for the unit, scoring 604 runs and collecting 16 wickets.

Stokes has pulled out of IPL 2022 and will focus on doing well for England. He recently returned from a break but looked rusty in the Ashes. That said, with some important tournaments coming up, Stokes will have a good chance to bring back his old form.

1. Chris Morris – 16.25 CR (IPL 2021)

Chris Morris stands at No.1 in this list of the most expensive buys by Rajasthan Royals in IPL history. Ahead of IPL 2021, with Jofra Archer certain to miss the tournament, RR needed a player to lead the pace attack. Hence, they went after Morris. Since teams like RCB were also interested, in no time, the value of the bid went high. Eventually, RR hired Morris at a record price of INR 16.25 CR, which is also the highest ever amount shelled out in an IPL auction.

Morris did not have a great run in IPL 2021. His time with the South African Team was also coming to an end. Hence, recently, the all-rounder announced his retirement from the game. It now needs to be seen as to what his next step would be.

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