Ambati Rayudu criticised Rajasthan Royals for focusing on young players instead of winning, saying the IPL is meant for competition, not charity.
Ambati Rayudu questioned Rajasthan Royals’ long-term strategy after their recent defeat to Lucknow Super Giants. The former India cricketer criticised the franchise for focusing more on grooming young talent than aiming for an IPL title.
Rajasthan have showcased players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Dhruv Jurel in recent seasons. However, they haven’t won the IPL since 2008. Rayudu believes franchises must prioritise results over development and claimed that the Royals’ emphasis on youth has failed to deliver trophies despite being celebrated.
“I’ve always had this question in my mind when it comes to RR: they’ve invested so much in youngsters over the years. What have they gotten out of it? It’s been 17 years since they’ve won an IPL, and they always showcase this as if it’s their strength. It is some great charity that they’re doing for the game, but it is not. You’re here to compete,” Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo’s Timeout.
“There are ways teams have adopted to win the IPL, and you don’t follow any of those. You have your own path, and you justify it year after year. And you want people to come on board and appreciate you for the good team that you are, by giving youngsters all over the world a good opportunity in the IPL,” he added.
Notably, Rajasthan Royals handed 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi his IPL debut against Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur. The youngster opened as an impact substitute and scored 34 off 20 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes. Despite the solid start, the Royals failed to maintain momentum and fell short by two runs while chasing 181, suffering a narrow loss at home.
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