RR Team 2025 Players List: History, Records and Achievements

Rajasthan Royals History

The Rajasthan Royals were crowned the inaugural champions of the Indian Premier League and remain one of the most enigmatic and unpredictable teams in IPL history. Founded in 2008 as one of the eight original franchises of the league, Rajasthan Royals (RR) stunned the world by winning the first-ever IPL season under the leadership of Shane Warne, despite being seen as underdogs at the time.

The franchise was acquired by Emerging Media for approximately US$67 million, making it the least expensive team in the first IPL franchise auction. The Rajasthan Royals brought a  lot of star power alongside them outside of the field as Bollywood superstar in Shilpa Shetty alongside her husband Raj Kundra were the original owners of the team. There was a lot of flare surrounding the Rajasthan Royals in the initial years. 

Their iconic triumph in 2008 was built on a foundation of fearless cricket, led by the legendary Shane Warne, who served as both captain and coach. For Shane Warne, it was said to be his second chance at captaincy after he was snubbed from being made the captain of the Australian side. It was like the Australian captaincy he never got. 

However, since their dream start, the Royals have endured a roller-coaster journey and a major match fixing scandal. 

In 2013, the team came under scrutiny after a major spot-fixing and betting scandal rocked the league. As a result, RR were banned from participating in the 2016 and 2017 seasons alongside Chennai Super Kings. It also meant the owners Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra departed as they were forced to sell their stake in 2015.

They made their return in 2018 with a revamped squad and under new owner Manoj Badale and the Royals Sports Group, but have since struggled to find the consistency needed to recapture their 2008 magic.

Despite their turbulent journey, the Royals have played a significant role in discovering and nurturing cricketing talent in India. From Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja to Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the franchise has always shown faith in youth and rewarded unproven players.

Rajasthan Royals’ IPL Journey by Year

Most Successful and Least Successful RR Captains (Min. 10 Matches)

 Rajasthan Royals have experienced a variety of leadership philosophies over the years, but Shane Warne has emerged as the most recognisable and effective captain. With a 54.54% win percentage in the first season of the IPL in 2008, RR won their only IPL trophy under his leadership. 

Sanju Samson, a consistent performer in recent seasons, is second with a 52.45% win rate and led the team to the 2022 championship game. Rahul Dravid led the team to Qualifier 2 in 2013 and had a stellar tenure as well. Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson, on the other hand, have had little success in the playoffs and have had a win percentage of less than 40%.

*Please not that this table does not reflect the stats of the 2025 IPL season. 

Rajasthan Royals Administration and Staff 2025

Rajasthan Royals Achievements and Records

Rajasthan Royals etched their name in IPL history by winning the inaugural season in 2008 under the legendary Shane Warne. Since then, their journey hasn’t been the most straightforward as contrary to expectations the team hasn’t quite been able to dominate the league. Instead they’ve only ever reached one more IPL final since 2008 and that was in 2022 when they lost to the Gujarat Titans. 

Team Records (As of May 2025)

Individual Records (As of May 2025)

Rajasthan Royals Key Rivalries

As one of the original eight teams in the IPL, Rajasthan Royals have cultivated several intense rivalries over the years. These rivalries have not only produced thrilling matches but also served as defining moments in IPL history. Whether it's their inaugural final, last-over thrillers, or fierce battles for playoff spots, Rajasthan’s matchups with certain teams always get fans buzzing.

Here’s a look at the key rivalries that have come to define Rajasthan Royals' IPL journey:

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings

One of the most iconic rivalries in IPL history, this contest dates back to the inaugural final in 2008 when RR defeated CSK to win the first IPL title. The contrast in leadership styles between Shane Warne and MS Dhoni added flair to this battle.

Over the years, CSK have maintained an upper hand in head-to-head meetings, but RR have often pulled off key wins when least expected, making this rivalry unpredictable and entertaining.

Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings

The Rajasthan Royals and the Punjab Kings share an intense rivalry with most thrilling encounters in IPL history, including high-scoring classics and unbelievable comebacks.  This fixture has seen the likes of Rahul Tewatia smash five sixes in a row to win a match alongside Punjab failing to chase 4 runs in eight balls. The 2020 match, where RR chased down 224 in Sharjah, is considered one of the greatest chases in T20 cricket.

While both franchises have had fluctuating campaigns, their face-offs are always tightly contested and packed with drama.

Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Another compelling rivalry, especially for fans of explosive batting. With players like Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Virat Kohli, and AB de Villiers having starred in these fixtures, RR vs RCB has often delivered firecracker matches.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have had the edge in overall meetings, but RR’s victories in critical matches, including the 2022 Qualifier, make this a matchup to watch.

Rajasthan Royals Team Owner and Sponsorships

From being the underdog champions in 2008 to building a solid reputation in recent years, Rajasthan Royals’ off-field management and ownership structure have played a key role in their journey. The team is backed by a forward-thinking ownership group and has developed a strong commercial portfolio.

Ownership: Emerging Media IPL Ltd/Manoj Badale led The Royals Group

Rajasthan Royals is primarily owned by Emerging Media IPL Ltd., a UK-based company led by Manoj Badale, who serves as the lead owner. Badale holds the majority stake in the franchise and has been associated with RR since its inception in 2008.

Over the years, the ownership group has seen the inclusion of other investors, including global business names like Lachlan Murdoch and RedBird Capital Partners. This has helped infuse both capital and strategic direction into the team.

In the initial years, Bollywood stars in Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra owned a stake in the Rajasthan Royals but due to spot fixing scandal, they had sell their ownership stake in 2015 owing to a Supreme Court judgement. Manoj Badale is the main owner of this franchise and he has guided this franchise with great vision. The brand value of this franchise is Rs 850 crore.

The owners have played a pivotal role in the franchise’s rebirth following the two-year suspension (2016–17). Since then, the Royals have placed strong emphasis on youth development, data analytics, and innovative team-building—core values of the new RR identity.

The ownership found a way to make the Rajasthan Royals competitive by adding star players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Jofra Archer and Yuzvendra Chahal to their squads, and made it to the finals in 2022. The ownership continues to revamp the Royals and are trying their best to replicate the 2008 IPL championship. 

Rajasthan Royals Sponsors

Rajasthan Royals' steady rise in brand visibility and performance has been matched by an increasingly diverse sponsorship portfolio. The franchise, known for its innovative campaigns and youth-first marketing approach, has consistently attracted reputed names from global and Indian markets. These sponsorships have played a pivotal role in supporting the Royals’ cricketing ambitions and outreach strategies.

Title Sponsors Over the Years

Over the years, Rajasthan Royals have had multiple notable title sponsors, reflecting the franchise’s evolving brand value and growing market influence. These partners have contributed not only financially but also by amplifying the team’s global presence.

• Ultratech Cement (2010–2013): As one of the earliest title sponsors, Ultratech supported RR during a rebuilding phase post their inaugural title win, helping the brand maintain continuity and market presence.

• TVS Tyres (2015): A short but impactful stint, TVS Tyres associated with the Royals during a period of structural transition and laid the foundation for future commercial tie-ups.

• KEI Industries (2019–2020): The wire and cable brand served as title sponsor during the early part of RR’s reboot post-suspension, aligning with the franchise’s message of resilience and resurgence.

• Expo 2020 Dubai (2021): This high-profile international sponsorship gave RR a global dimension, with the team promoting one of the world’s most recognized global exhibitions.

• Dollar Industries (2022–2023): As the team re-established itself as a playoff contender, Dollar Industries came on board as the title sponsor, enhancing the franchise's connection with the Indian mass market.

• DP World (2024): The global logistics powerhouse is the current title sponsor, bringing in an international flavor and boosting the Royals’ prestige and financial strength.

• Luminous (2024): For the 2025 season, the Rajasthan Royals roped in electrical lights company Luminous to be their title sponsor. 

Rajasthan Royals Team Fan Following

Despite being a smaller-market team in terms of geography, Rajasthan Royals have built a devoted and growing fanbase, thanks to their fairytale title win in 2008, focus on local talent, and their ability to unearth hidden gems. With players like Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Yashasvi Jaiswal lighting up the league, the team has captured hearts across generations.

RR’s “Halla Bol” slogan has become an iconic chant among fans, symbolizing the team’s fighting spirit. 

As of May 2025, Rajasthan Royals boast a strong and active digital fan base across major social platforms. Across social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (X) and YouTube, the Rajasthan Royals boast a following of close to 14.2 Million. 

The only teams Rajasthan Royals are ahead of in the size of the fanbase are the Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants. Both these franchises are the youngest franchises in the league as they joined the league as expansion teams back in 2022 when the IPL became a 10-team tournament. 

Rajasthan Royals Captain and Vice Captain Over the Years

Rajasthan Royals are one of the fewer franchises in the league that has more often had an absolute clarity over their captains. From the initial leadership of Shane Warne to Rahul Dravid and likes of Shane Watson to Sanju Samson nowadays, the Royals unlike other franchises like Punjab or Hyderabad have always had a clear plan over who will be their captain. 

Shane Warne (2008–2011)

The original “Royal”, Shane Warne, was the coach and captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the first four seasons of the Indian Premier League. Shane Warne built the Rajasthan Royals franchise from the ground up and led them to their only title in 2008. Warne led the team till 2011, and even though they didn’t replicate their early success, his legacy remains unmatched. His captaincy record reads 30 wins in 55 matches with a win percentage of 54.54%. Warne is remembered as the heartbeat of the Royals and the man who gave the franchise its fearless identity.

Rahul Dravid (2012–2013)

Post Shane Warne’s retirement, the leadership duties of the franchise were handed to the legendary Wall, Rahul Dravid. The franchise transitioned into a new era under the calm leadership of Rahul Dravid. While the Royals didn’t make a huge impact in 2012, the 2013 season saw them reach Qualifier 2. Dravid’s emphasis on discipline, team ethics, and youth development shaped the Royals into a more sustainable unit. Players like Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson and James Faulkner flourished under his mentorship. 

Shane Watson (2014–2015)

In 2014, Rahul Dravid called time on his playing career and moved to the position of mentor of the franchise. The captaincy was handed over to the Australian all-rounder Shane Watson who had been with the Rajasthan Royals since 2008. Match-winner with both bat and ball, Watson couldn’t replicate his on-field brilliance in captaincy. RR narrowly missed the playoffs in 2014 but made it in 2015, losing the Eliminator. Watson’s leadership was aggressive but inconsistent

Ajinkya Rahane (2018–2019)

When Rajasthan Royals returned to the IPL in 2018, Steve Smith was supposed to be the skipper of the side. However, after sand paper scandal, Steve Smith was banned by Cricket Australia from all forms of cricket for a year. This meant that Ajinkya Rahane had to takeover the captaincy. Known for his calm demeanor and classical technique, Rahane led the Royals to the playoffs in their comeback season. However, in 2019, his lack of assertiveness and form led to him being replaced mid-season by Steve Smith. Rahane captained RR in 24 matches, winning 9 with a win percentage of 37.5%. 

Steve Smith (2015, 2019–2020)

Smith first captained RR in 2015 in Watson’s absence and returned as a full-time leader in 2019 (after replacing Rahane mid-season). He continued in 2020 but failed to inspire a turnaround. Under his leadership, Rajasthan Royals finished last in 2020, leading to a shift in captaincy once again. In 27 matches as captain, Smith won 13 and lost 14.

Sanju Samson (2021–Present)

The present and future of the Rajasthan Royals leadership group rest in the hands of Sanju Samson. Taking charge in 2021, Samson has brought stability, personal consistency, and a quiet aggression to the side. Under him, RR reached the IPL final in 2022—only their second appearance in the summit clash since 2008. His proactive field placements, cool-headedness, and belief in young Indian players have rejuvenated the franchise.

By the end of the 2024 season, Sanju Samson had led RR in 61 matches, winning 32 and losing 29. With a win percentage above 52%, he stands as one of the most successful RR captains. His evolution as a tactician and batter continues to define the Royals’ modern identity.

Sanju Samson has missed the majority of the 2025 season due to injury and Riyan Parag has come in as stand in skipper. However, under the leadership of Riyan Parag, the Rajasthan Royals have struggled to make an impact and have been knocked out of the Playoff race already. 

Rajasthan Royals Team Full Squad 2025

Icon Players of Rajasthan Royals

Shane Warne

Shane Warne was the captain of RR in the inaugural season Under his captaincy Rajasthan Royals had won its first and only IPL title in the year 2008. Shane was also the mentor of the franchise and guided several youngsters. India leg spinner Kuldeep Yadav is inspired by Shane Warne.

Rahul Dravid

Rahul Dravid has been the captain of the RR franchise in the 2011 year. During his captaincy days, RR had some memorable moments. Later on he became the mentor and guided several youngsters including Sanju Samson.

Sanju Samson

Sanju debuted for RR in the 2013 season and grew as a player in the RR franchise. Since then Sanju has been performing consistently and currently he is the captain of the RR franchise and leading extremely well barring one or two seasons.

Jos Buttler

 In the year 2018 auction, RR bought the explosive English opener for the first time. Since then Jos has been a terrific servant of the Jaipur based franchise. With Rajasthan Royals Buttler has won numerous games. Playing for RR, Buttler has scored 3055 runs in 83 matches. But ahead of the 2025 mega auction, RR shockingly let go Jos Buttler in the auction pool.

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