'We don't buy superstars, we make superstars'

Rajasthan Royals' legacy as a franchise that grooms raw talent remains intact, even as they exit IPL 2025 without a playoff berth following a demoralizing 100-run loss to Mumbai Indians. Since their fairytale title win in 2008, RR’s journey has largely been underwhelming, with their 2022 final appearance the only real highlight. Yet, their unwavering focus on youth development keeps the franchise’s spirit alive, with 14-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi the latest name to emerge from their system. While the decision to release high-profile players like Jos Buttler and Trent Boult has drawn criticism, fielding coach Dishant Yagnik defended the franchise’s strategy. “We don’t chase superstars. We shape them,” he said, reiterating the Royals’ belief in nurturing potential over buying fame. He cited the rise of players like Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and now Vaibhav as proof of the team’s commitment to long-term success. Reflecting on another disappointing campaign, Yagnik highlighted missed opportunities in key moments. The Royals lost three games they seemed poised to win—against Delhi, Lucknow, and Bangalore—each time stumbling in the final overs. In two of those contests, the chase came down to single-digit targets in the last over, yet RR couldn’t finish the job. These lapses, according to Yagnik, cost them crucial points and ultimately, a playoff spot. Fielding, once a strength, turned into a glaring weakness this season. Dropped catches, especially in crunch games like the one against MI, proved costly. Suryakumar Yadav, handed lifelines by RR’s sloppy fielding, punished them with a match-defining knock. Yagnik, while disappointed, called the lapse a rare off-year. “From 2018 to 2023, we were consistently in the top three for fielding. This season was just one of those rare dips.” He reserved praise for Mumbai’s batting effort, crediting their lineup for taking apart even well-executed plans. From Rickelton and Rohit’s strong start to Surya and Hardik’s brutal finishing, MI put on a clinic, posting 217 on a surface that wasn’t particularly easy to bat on. “Sometimes, quality batting just overcomes your best-laid strategies,” Yagnik admitted. As for the decision to bowl first, it backfired spectacularly. Expecting dew and some early swing due to overcast conditions, RR chose to chase, banking on trends from earlier games at their home ground. However, the dew never arrived, and the pitch slowed considerably in the second half, leaving their batters with an uphill task. Despite the disappointment, Yagnik remained optimistic about the core of this young side. With players like Vaibhav, Jaiswal, and captain Samson at the helm, RR believe their time will come again.