Rajasthan Royals(RR) has risen as one of the most consistent teams in the recent years of IPL. With Sanju Samson as captain, the team has performed well in past years. R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal, the two prime spinners of team India have also contributed to the success of Rajasthan Royals.
While BCCI has decided to submit the list of retained players by the end of 31st October 2024, Rajasthan Royals will have a headache in picking the right retention. The mega auction for IPL 2025 is likely to happen at the end of November or the first week of December. In this article, we will look at the performance of R Ashwin and Chahal and whom Rajasthan Royals can retain for the IPL 2025.
Bowling Performances in IPL 2024
Ravichandran Ashwin
- Matches: 15
- Wickets: 9
- Best Bowling: 3/24
- Bowling Average: 51.88
- 5-wicket hauls: 0
Ashwin’s role in the Rajasthan Royals has mostly been as a spinner, but his wicket tally of 9 in 15 matches is underwhelming compared to his previous seasons. With a high bowling average of 51.88, Ashwin struggled to control the run flow or take wickets consistently. His best performance was 3/24.
However, it’s important to note that Ashwin is not just a bowler. He is also a dependable option with the bat in the lower order, and his all-around abilities might still offer value in pressure situations.
Yuzvendra Chahal
- Matches: 15
- Wickets: 18
- Best Bowling: 3/11
- Bowling Average: 30.33
- 5-wicket hauls: 0
In contrast, Yuzvendra Chahal had a better bowling season than Ashwin. With 18 wickets in 15 matches and a much lower average of 30.33, Chahal has been a reliable wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals. His best bowling figure of 3/11 shows that he can produce match-winning spells. Chahal is known for his ability to control the flow of runs in the middle overs and remove key batters.
Ravichandran Ashwin (batting in IPL 2024)
- Runs: 86
- Highest Score: 29
- Batting Average: 14.33
- 100s: 0
Ashwin’s contribution with the bat has been modest this season. He has scored 86 runs in 15 matches. His highest score was 29, and his batting average of 14.33 doesn’t make him a standout batsman. However, as an all-rounder, Ashwin’s ability to hold the innings together or play a quick cameo down the order has its value. While not a match-winner with the bat, he can chip in when the team is in a tough situation.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Chahal, on the other hand, is primarily a bowler and has not made any notable contributions with the bat. His batting is not a factor that the team relies on, and his role is to take wickets rather than score runs.
Fielding (Catches and Stumpings)
Ravichandran Ashwin
- Catches: 5
- Stumpings: 0
Ashwin has safe hands in the field and last year he got 5 catches.
Yuzvendra Chahal
- Catches: 5
- Stumpings: 0
Chahal also took 5 catches in IPL 2024. Like Ashwin, Chahal is reliable in the field.
Form and Consistency
Looking at their form in IPL 2024, Chahal has been the more consistent performer with 18 wickets, compared to Ashwin’s 9. Chahal’s ability to pick up wickets regularly makes him a valuable player for RR, especially when they need breakthroughs in the middle overs. His lower bowling average of 30.33 compared to Ashwin’s 51.88 shows that Chahal is more effective at controlling runs and taking wickets.
Ashwin, on the other hand, struggled with consistency. His economic rate and average suggest that he was not as effective as RR would have hoped.
Who Should RR Retain?
Based on their 2024 performances, Rajasthan Royals should consider retaining Yuzvendra Chahal over Ravichandran Ashwin. Chahal has been more consistent, picking up more wickets and maintaining a better bowling average. His role as a specialist bowler fits perfectly into RR’s strategy, especially with his ability to deliver in crucial overs.
While Ashwin brings valuable experience and can contribute with the bat, his overall form has not been up to the mark. RR may benefit more from focusing on younger all-rounders or retaining someone like Chahal, who has been more impactful with the ball.
