With the BCCI’s October 31, 2024 deadline for IPL 2025 player retention, Rajasthan Royals face a tough decision: Should they retain Jos Buttler or Shimron Hetmyer? Here’s a detailed analysis of who RR should keep ahead of the mega auction.
As IPL 2024 comes to an end, it’s time for Rajasthan Royals (RR) to evaluate their team and decide whom to retain for IPL 2025. The performance of players is a key factor in these decisions. Two important players in RR’s squad are Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer. Let’s look at the overall performance of Jos Buttler and Shimron Hetmyer in last year’s IPL 2024.
1. Batting Performance
Jos Buttler
England star wicket-keeper batter Jos Buttler has been a vital part of RR’s batting lineup. In IPL 2024, Buttler played 11 matches last year where he scored 359 runs. His batting average of 39.88 shows that he has been consistent throughout the season. Not only has he been consistent, but he has also played two match-winning innings, scoring two centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 107*, which highlights his ability to anchor innings and finish games.
Buttler’s strike rate of 140.78 proves that he can score quickly, putting pressure on the opposition. In 255 balls faced, Buttler hit 36 fours and 12 sixes. This shows his aggressive style of play and ability to clear boundaries, something RR needs in their top order.
Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer had a different role in the team. He was mostly used as a finisher, coming lower down the order. Hetmyer played 12 matches but only batted in 9 innings. He scored 113 runs with an average of 22.60. Although this average is lower compared to Buttler’s, Hetmyer’s strike rate was much higher at 163.76, which is impressive for a finisher. It means that even though he didn’t spend much time at the crease, he scored quickly whenever he got the chance.
In terms of boundaries, Hetmyer hit 9 fours and 7 sixes, showing his power-hitting ability. But his highest score of just 27* and no half-centuries in IPL 2024 may make RR think twice about retaining him. While he can be a powerful hitter, he hasn’t had many big performances this season.
2. Role in the Team
Jos Buttler
Buttler is not just a regular batsman; he is RR’s opening batsman and sometimes even plays the role of a wicketkeeper. His dual role adds more value to the team. As an opener, Buttler provides a strong start. His centuries this season have been match-winning knocks, and RR depends heavily on him for big runs at the top.
Shimron Hetmyer
On the other hand, Shimron Hetmyer plays the role of a middle-order batsman and finisher. His job is to accelerate the scoring rate in the last few overs. While his strike rate shows he can be dangerous, the lack of big scores raises doubts about whether RR should retain him.
In IPL 2024, Hetmyer did not make the impact that was expected from him as a finisher. RR needs a player who can finish games consistently, and Hetmyer has not shown that consistency this season.
3. Fielding and Wicket-Keeping
Jos Buttler
Buttler’s contribution goes beyond batting. As a wicketkeeper, he plays a key role behind the stumps. A good wicketkeeper can save runs, take crucial catches, and effect stumpings, which can turn matches. Though Buttler didn’t have many notable moments as a wicketkeeper in IPL 2024, his experience as an international wicketkeeper adds depth to RR’s fielding unit. His ability to keep wickets also allows RR to have more flexibility in team selection.
Shimron Hetmyer
Hetmyer is a solid fielder, often placed in key positions on the field. While he is not a specialist wicketkeeper, Hetmyer has good reflexes and can save runs in the outfield. However, in IPL 2024, Hetmyer didn’t stand out in the field with any remarkable catches or run-outs. For a player mainly in the team for his batting, his fielding alone may not be enough for RR to retain him.
Based on the analysis of IPL 2024 performances, RR should prioritize retaining Jos Buttler for IPL 2025. He has been a consistent performer, providing stability at the top of the order with match-winning knocks. His ability to score centuries and handle pressure makes him indispensable for the team. Moreover, his role as a wicketkeeper adds value to the squad.
While Shimron Hetmyer is a powerful finisher, his inconsistency and lack of big scores in IPL 2024 raise questions about whether RR should retain him. He is a good option for quick runs in the lower order, but RR might need to look for a more reliable finisher or even consider using younger talents.
