Rahul Dravid took on the daunting task of leading the Rajasthan Royals after Shane Warne, and he did so admirably during the IPL 2012 season at the age of 39
Established in 2008, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have cultivated a reputation for unearthing hidden talents and promoting a brand of cricket characterised by innovation and fearlessness. Despite being one of the less fancied teams in terms of star power and financial muscle, the Royals have consistently punched above their weight, clinching the inaugural IPL title in 2008 under the astute leadership of Shane Warne. Since then, the Royals have experienced highs and lows but have remained a formidable force in the league.
Now, let's delve into the top four captain's knocks in the history of the Rajasthan Royals.
After Rahul Dravid's retirement, Shane Watson took over as captain of the Rajasthan Royals from IPL 2014. Leading for two seasons, covering 21 matches, the team made the playoffs in IPL 2015. In a game against Chennai Super Kings, the Royals scored 148/8 in their 20 overs, with Watson contributing 51 runs off 36 balls with three boundaries and four long sixes. Despite their efforts, Chennai Super Kings won the match by five wickets.
Rahul Dravid's last walk as a captain
Rahul Dravid took on the daunting task of leading the Rajasthan Royals after Shane Warne, and he did so admirably during the IPL 2012 season at the age of 39. One notable highlight was Dravid's captain's knock against the Delhi Daredevils in 2013, where he scored 65 runs off 51 balls adorned with six boundaries and two sixes, guiding RR to 165 runs. His tactical brilliance was evident as the Daredevils struggled to chase the target, ultimately leading to RR's victory by a margin of 5 runs. Dravid's ability to inspire his team to success on the field showcased his remarkable leadership skills.
Steve Smith's leadership was pivotal for the Royals, especially during their encounter against the Mumbai Indians. In that match, Smith steered his team to victory with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 79 runs off just 53 deliveries. His innings were characterised by composure and skill, as he crafted his runs with eight boundaries and one six, effectively guiding his team's chase of the target of 164 runs set by the MI. His partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane and James Faulkner were instrumental in steering the team towards victory, with crucial stands of 50 runs each.
Sanju Samson hit it out of the park
Sanju Samson's remarkable innings against Punjab Kings in the 2021 IPL season showcased his exceptional batting prowess and leadership as captain of the Rajasthan Royals. Facing a challenging target of 222 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Samson's resilient fifty off just 33 balls set the tone for the innings. Samson nearly pulled off a remarkable victory with his aggressive stroke play, including 12 fours and seven sixes, at a staggering strike rate 188.88. Despite falling short by just four runs, he was awarded Player of the Match, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.