Rajasthan Royals IPL Records: From 2008 champions to controversies and revival; check full history

As the 2025 IPL season approaches, Rajasthan Royals (RR) find themselves gearing up for another chance to capture the elusive IPL title.

Known for their early success and a roller-coaster journey, the franchise has had its fair share of memorable highs, challenging lows, and even controversial moments.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit their remarkable journey, and what could be next for the Royals.

The 2008 magic

When the IPL was first launched, Rajasthan Royals entered as the underdogs, with little fanfare. However, led by the legendary Shane Warne, the team defied expectations and clinched the first-ever IPL title in 2008.

With standout performances from players like Yusuf Pathan, Sohail Tanvir, and the captain himself, the Royals wrote one of the most memorable stories in IPL history.

Their success was driven by a shrewd, cost-effective strategy of focusing on lesser-known players, which has remained a hallmark of the franchise to this day.

Changing leadership

Following their title win, the Royals underwent numerous leadership changes.

After Warne’s retirement in 2011, Rahul Dravid stepped in as captain, and the team experienced a few seasons of fluctuating fortunes.

Shane Watson briefly took over, but it was Steven Smith who captained the side for several seasons. The team witnessed ups and downs, and with the 2013 spot-fixing scandal casting a dark shadow, the Royals' performance on the field seemed to mirror their off-field controversies.

In 2018, when the team was rocked by the ball-tampering scandal involving Smith, Ajinkya Rahane took charge.

However, it was Sanju Samson who became the face of the team when he was appointed captain in 2021. His leadership, paired with a strategic vision under the guidance of former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara as the Director of Cricket, has given the Royals renewed hope.

The Controversial years

Rajasthan Royals have never been too far from controversy.

The biggest blow came in 2013 when three RR players were arrested in the spot-fixing scandal. This led to the franchise being banned for two years and one of its owners, Raj Kundra, receiving a lifetime ban.

These incidents tarnished the image of a team that had once been celebrated for its talent scouting and strategic acumen.

On the field, RR went through several seasons where they were unable to make it past the group stages. The 2021 season, where they finished second-last, was particularly disheartening for fans who had hoped for a consistent return to form.

Rajasthan Royals rise again

After years of mediocrity, 2022 proved to be a turning point for Rajasthan Royals. The team reached the IPL final for the first time since their 2008 triumph.

Jos Buttler’s stellar form, finishing as the highest run-scorer of the season, was a key factor in their successful campaign. T

he team’s bowling attack, featuring Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, and R Ashwin, proved to be one of the most potent in the league.

Despite losing to Gujarat Titans in the final, the 2022 season marked the Royals’ best showing in over a decade and brought them back into the spotlight.

The 2023 and 2024 seasons

The 2023 season saw Rajasthan Royals finish in fifth place.

Their early performances were promising, but inconsistency haunted them. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable performances, including a record-breaking 13-ball fifty, brought excitement to the squad, while Jos Buttler’s form dipped, making it hard for the team to maintain momentum.

Finally, 2024 saw RR finishing in third place. While they didn’t quite make it to the final, their strong performances, especially in the middle part of the season, showed that they were still a team to be reckoned with.

However, consistency continued to be an issue, and their key players, including captain Sanju Samson, seemed to struggle with form towards the end of the season.

IPL 2025: What’s next?

With the IPL 2025 season on the horizon, Rajasthan Royals are looking to build on the progress made over the past few years. The core of the team remains largely the same, with Sanju Samson continuing as captain.

Alongside him, players like Jos Buttler, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Riyan Parag will continue to play pivotal roles. The Royals have consistently managed to find a balance between nurturing young talents and bringing in big names when necessary.

The team’s strategy of unearthing talent from smaller cities and lesser-known regions remains intact. Players like Dhruv Jurel and Kunal Singh Rathore will have the opportunity to shine, while international stars such as Jofra Archer and Shimron Hetmyer bring the much-needed experience.

If Rajasthan Royals can find consistency, stay injury-free, and bring their best game to the field, they will surely be contenders for the IPL 2025 title.