Hyderabad: The much-awaited carnival for cricket fans, Indian Premier League is all set to return with its 12th edition. The cash-rich league will kick off in Chennai on March 23 when the defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals must be hoping to put behind them the blues of the past as they won the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008 but since then they haven't qualified for the finals.
Let's take a brief look at Rajasthan Royals' journey till now:
- Rajasthan Royals had a dream start in the IPL as Shane Warne led them to a stunning triumph in the league's inaugural edition in 2008. They topped the league stage and eventually won the tournament.
- However, it hasn’t exactly been a joy ride for Rajasthan Royals after the maiden season of IPL as in the next four years, they alternated between the 6th & 7th position in the league table and even failed to qualify for the finals since 2008.
- In 2103, the Royals finally found their rythm back as they qualified for the playoff stage by finishing third in the group stage. They won against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator but lost to Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier, which led to their exit from the tournament.
- Rajasthan Royals put up an average performance in 2014 as they finished fifth in the league stage thus failing to qualify for the playoff stage.
- In the season eight of IPL, which took place in 2015, the Royals managed to go past league stage but lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in the eliminator.
- The Jaipur-based franchise missed out on IPL 2016 & 2017 as they were suspended on charges of spot-fixing and on their return in 2018, Rajasthan Royals qualified for the playoff stage but lost in the eliminator against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Overall, Rajasthan Royals have managed to get their act together only in maiden season of IPL and they have been inconsistent since then. Hence, the Royals will aim to turn the fortune around this time and clinch the coveted trophy for the second time.
