Rajasthan Royals had won the hearts of one and all in the inaugural IPL, where they emerged champions. But since then, they just haven't been enterprising enough.

Not to say that they have been mediocre in the IPL post the 2008 triumph, as despite having to deal with off-the-field controversies, the Royals still managed to register some impressive performances. They also made the playoffs on a few occasions over the last decade with IPL 2018 being their last appearance at the last-four stage.

The last couple of seasons, though, haven’t really gone well for them. They did get off to a sound start in IPL 2020, winning their first two matches convincingly. But then inconsistency hit them as they suffered the ignominy of finishing last.

High hopes: Can Chris Morris do justice to his price tag? Picture courtesy: Rajasthan Royals

Change in outlook and approach was a must for them. They have parted ways with Steve Smith, handing the captaincy over to young Sanju Samson. They have spent Rs 16.25 crore — the highest ever — to recruit South African all-rounder Chris Morris from this year’s IPL auction.

English class: Royals will bank on Ben Stokes. Picture courtesy: Rajasthan Royals

Aces Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are still there and the duo would obviously be expected to play a massive role in the Royals’ progress.

Morris hasn’t been in the Proteas’ scheme of things for close to two years and did not have much game time lately. But his overall experience and exposure should give hope to the team management.

Besides, with Jofra Archer set to miss at least the first half of the competition, Morris’s role may well assume greater importance.

English class: Jos Buttler to be in the pink of form. Picture courtesy: Rajasthan Royals

Haryana’s Rahul Tewatia proved last year with his 31-ball 53 in the early part of the tournament that he could be a game-changer. Tewatia would certainly hope to have a bigger impact this time.

However, he needs to ensure he works on his fitness too, for he had failed the BCCI-mandated test after his maiden India call-up.

Lastly, one would also wish to see how Samson handles pressure. Like Rishabh Pant, he too has to lead his side alongside contributing with the bat and playing the ’keeper’s role, in case Buttler doesn’t take up the gloves. There’s absolutely no doubt about Samson’s abilities with the bat, but his biggest drawback is that he tends to commit unforced errors even when well set.Captaincy-wise, Samson does have senior players in the team to support him, but in terms of batting, the Royals must be hoping that the extra responsibility will help him avoid recklessness.

Lessons from IPL 2020

⚫ Bowling has been the Royals’ area of concern. Last season, barring Archer, others just weren’t good enough or consistent. Young Kartik Tyagi, who has had precious exposure after being a standby during India’s tour of Australia, should look to add to his wickets column while others like Shreyas Gopal, Mayank Markande and Jaydev Unadkat also need to lift their game.

⚫ Inability of the middle order to rise to the occasion has also been one reason behind the Royals’ failure to reach the last four in IPL 2020. Dependence on Tewatia has to reduce, and the likes of Riyan Parag and all-rounder Shivam Dube have to try and come up with impact-making performances.

Last year’s finish: Last

X-factor

Proving his game-changing abilities on several occasions in the past, Stokes will again have a very significant role to play if the Royals are to exhibit their royalty this season. He is likely to bat at the top of the order if not asked to open, the Royals should be in with a great chance of reaching the playoffs at least if Stokes keeps unleashing those monstrous hits consistently. Even with the ball, the talismanic all-rounder could play a critical role as he has a knack of getting set batsmen out and breaking partnerships.

Stokes in IPL

Batting

⚫ Mts 42 ⚫ Runs 920 ⚫ 50s 2 ⚫ 100s 2 ⚫ HS 107 n.o. ⚫ Avg 26.28 ⚫ SR 135.09

Bowling

⚫ Mts 42 ⚫ Wkts 28

⚫ Best 3/15 ⚫ Eco 8.52

Stokes in T20s (overall)

Batting

⚫ Mts 139 ⚫ Runs 2752 ⚫ 50s 9 ⚫ 100s 2 ⚫ HS 107 n.o. ⚫ Avg 25.96 ⚫ SR 136.50

Bowling

⚫ Mts 139 ⚫ Wkts 75

⚫ Best 4/16 ⚫ Eco 8.52