Rajasthan Royals: Significant Moments in IPL

Introduction

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a hotbed of cricketing legends and memorable moments since its inception in 2008. One team that often surprises with its refusal to stay down is the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Despite not being as decorated or cash-rich as some others, this ‘Moneyball’ team returns season after season, ready to upset the tables and create thrilling sporting memories.

Let’s relive some of RR’s most significant IPL moments:

Rajasthan Royal’s Epic Journey Begins: The First IPL Champion (2008)

In 2008, when Lalit Modi envisioned an Indian league akin to Europe’s football leagues with city-based franchises, he probably didn’t expect Shane Warne-led underdog- team Rajasthan Royals would take home the first trophy. With hardly any big stars barring Sohail Tanvir, Yusuf Pathan, and Australian legend Warne himself, RR showed tenacity beyond belief. This victory made them one of the fan favourites and laid solid groundwork for what was to become a great journey.

Pink ball – A New Look (2010)

Rajasthan Royals are equally well-known for their audacious step to break away from traditional colours used by teams worldwide in twenty20 cricket formats. They adopted pink as their primary jersey colour starting in 2010. While most cricket fans took jibes at it initially, quickly they warmed up, and now it has become iconic with RR on the field.

Trial Through Tough Time – Spot-Fixing Scandal (2013)

Despite its early success, Rajasthan had a tumultuous time during the spot-fixing scandal of 2013. Three cricketers, S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila were arrested over allegations of spot-fixing. This incident cast a gloomy shadow, as the franchise tried to rebuild its reputation in subsequent years.

Suspension Period and Setback (2015)

Another significant moment in RR’s journey came when both Rajasthan Royals along with Chennai Super Kings got suspended for two years from IPL by the Supreme Court appointed Lodha Committee(source). Dealing with tarnish on their image and loss during the suspension period was difficult but they managed to hold together.

The Triumphant Return (2018)

In 2018, after serving out two-year suspensions owing to irregularities and corruption charges, Rajasthan returned, guns blazing. They acquired key players like Ben Stokes and Jaydev Unadkat at high prices under new captain Steve Smith. Also, Ajinkya Rahane’s emergence as one of the consistent runs getter was a boon for RR’s return season.

Jos Buttler’s Rampage (2018)

A telling event that year was Jos Buttler’s five consecutive fifties – a joint-record in T20 cricket(source). His performance almost single-handedly ensured their team’s entry into playoffs that season upon returning from banishment. Notably in 2020 too he showed some remarkable performances fetching essential points for his team.

Rajasthan Royals Make IPL Auction History – Most Expensive Buy (2021)

The 2021 season will forever be remembered as the moment when RR secured South African playmaker Chris Morris for a jaw-dropping INR 16.25 crore, making it the most expensive buy in IPL auction history(source). The franchise certainly saw his value and were willing to back him despite the cost.

Riyan Parag & Rahul Tewatia’s Sensational Partnership Against SRH – Highest 6th Wicket Partnership (2021)

Promising young players Riyan Parag & Rahul Tewatia collaborated on one of the biggest comebacks in IPL history. They put up an unbeaten partnership of 85 runs for the sixth wicket steering their team to a sensational win against Sun Risers Hyderabad (SRH). This notable cricketing feat is recorded as a highest-ever 6th wicket partnership in an IPL run chase(source).

The Way Forward

A testament to their resilience is how they came from rocky beginnings, weathered multiple storms, and still establish themselves as a competitive force in India’s glitziest cricket tournament. The future has many possibilities for Rajasthan Royals; regardless of what lies ahead, fans can expect adventure at every turn with this unpredictable team leading the way.

In conclusion, no matter where you stand regarding RR being underdogs or contenders, no one can deny that they’ve added their unique flavour to this grand carnival known as the Indian Premier League. Here’s looking forward to many more moments of surprise, delight and resilience from the Rajasthan Royals.