IPL 8, Know Your Team: Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals

Present Squad

Shane Watson (c), Ankit Sharma, Brainder Sran, Rajat Bhatia, Stuart Binny, Ben Cutting, James Faulkner, Deepak Hooda, Dhawal Kulkarni, Vikramjeet Malik, Chris Morris, Karun Nair, Abhishek Nayar, Ajinkya Rahane, Kane Richardson, Pardeep Sahu, Dinesh Salunkhe, Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith, Tim Southee, Pravin Tambe, Rahul Tewatia, Juan Theron, Sagar Trivedi, Dishant Yagnik (wk)(IPL 2015: Full Coverage)

Last year's squad

Unmukt Chand , Brad Hodge, Karun Nair, Ajinkya Rahane, Rajat Bhatia, Stuart Binny, Kevon Cooper, James Faulkner, Abhishek Nayar, Steve Smith, Shane Watson (c), Ankush Bains, Sanju Samson, Dishant Yagnik, Iqbal Abdulla, Ben Cutting, Deepak Hooda, Dhawal Kulkarni, Vikramjeet Malik, Amit Mishra, Kane Richardson, Ankit Sharma

Tim Southee, Pravin Tambe, Rahul Tewatia

Looking back: IPL-7 Results

Rajasthan Royals were unlucky to miss out on a top four finish last season. In a cliffhanger against the Mumbai Indians, the Shane Watson-led franchise was edged out under controversial circumstances. Royals were level on points with Mumbai but could not progress to the play-offs owing to a poorer net run rate. The Shilpa Shetty-Raj Kundra owned franchise finished fifth with seven wins in 14 games.

Looking forward: IPL-8

Keeping to their policy of encouraging youngsters, Rajasthan Royals were not among the big buyers in the 2015 auction. They roped in a couple of key all-rounders like Chris Morris and Juan 'Rusty' Theron to their squad. Rajasthan Royals look like a very exciting side with Shane Watson at the helm and World Cup winners Steve Smith and James Faulkner on their roster.

Prediction:

With their fire power, a top four spot should be guaranteed but the Royals have often floundered in key games. Still, with an in-form Watson, Smith and Faulkner, qualifying for the play-offs shouldn't be an issue.