Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu has not held back in his criticism of Rajasthan Royals, questioning the franchise’s persistent faith in youth at the cost of tangible success. As the team finds itself floundering in the lower half of the IPL 2025 points table, Ambati Rayudu has challenged their approach, suggesting it may be time for a course correction.
Rajasthan Royals, led by Sanju Samson, have endured a difficult run this season, falling short in consecutive tight finishes — most recently against Lucknow Super Giants, where they failed to chase down nine runs in the final over. With Sanju Samson sidelined due to a side strain, Riyan Parag stepped in as stand-in captain but couldn’t guide the team home, drawing further scrutiny.
Rajasthan Royals lost to LSG from winning position at their own home
Sanju Samson was unavailable for the Royals’ last match against Lucknow due to a side strain, and in his absence, Riyan Parag led the side. The Royals failed to chase down 9 runs in the final over as Avesh Khan helped Lucknow register a two-run win.
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu lambasted Rajasthan Royals management for their constant investment in youngsters after the franchise’s dismal show in the IPL 2025 season. The Sanju Samson-led side are reeling at the bottom half of the points table after suffering back-to-back narrow losses against Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Ambati Rayudu questioned the franchise’s commitment to win since their only title came back in 2008.
You are here to win IPL- Ambati Rayudu questions RR over scouting youngsters
Rajasthan Royals are struggling at 8th place in the Indian Premier League, having won just 2 out of their first 8 matches. Rajasthan, who have now lost four games in a row, botched run chases in their last two outings and ended up losing to Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants. Speaking on Rajasthan’s performance this season, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu slammed the franchise.
Ambati Rayudu questioned the Royals’ thought process, saying no one should enter a tournament like the IPL to do charity, as competing and winning should be the top two goals.
“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.
Over the years, Rajasthan Royals have invested in several youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel and Sanju Samson, to name a few. However, the management is coping criticism this season especially for retaining Riyan Parag and Jurel. The duo has been unable to close out games for the franchise in IPL 2025 and fans are not pleased with their performance.
This isn’t the first controversial statement Rayudu has made this season. The former cricketer’s commentary has come under scrutiny for its perceived bias toward MS Dhoni. Earlier this season, his tweet in support of Dhoni didn’t sit well with a section of fans, who criticized him for taking sides during the broadcast. However Rajasthan Royals languishing in the bottom half of the table would need a miracle to rise up and nothing better way to do it vs RCB in their next match at Bengaluru where RCB had not won a single match this season.
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