'We were fortunate that those players weren't retained' - RR chairman reflects on his team's auction strategy

Rajasthan Royals have been performing exceptionally well in the ongoing 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. The Jaipur-based franchise is currently placed third in the points table with seven wins in 11 matches. The new additions in form of Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Prasidh Krishna, and Trent boult have done extremely well for the inaugural-season champions.

As a result, the chairman of RR Ranjit Barthakur has expressed his pleasure over the new signings. The chairman has also said that it was pre-planned by the franchise to go after these names during the IPL 2022 mega auction. Ranjit also emphasized the importance of using data as a tool to better analyze a player.

Yes, it was pre-planned: RR chairman on auction strategy

Speaking in a press conference Ranjit said, “Yes, it was pre-planned. We were fortunate that those players weren’t retained by their earlier companies. We put in the right strategy and got the right people and that’s what reinforced our bowling.”

The chairman also emphasized the use of technology to know the game and players better and also spoke on the importance of a good bowling attack in the world’s toughest franchise-based league.

“We have been using analytics through an organization known as Kadamba, Chennai. This year, we added on our analytics, used NBA examples, and have been able to create a methodology. Nobody can guarantee you winning.  Everyone thought till about 4-5 years ago that it was the batting that matters. But all franchises in the IPL have also come to realize that you also need a good bowling attack,” he added.

As mentioned above, the Royals are currently placed third in the points table and will take on the strong-looking Delhi Capitals in their next group stage encounter. The match will be played at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on May 11 (Wednesday). The likes of opener Jos Buttler and skipper Sanju Samson will also want to continue their good form with the bat.