Where does Jos Buttler rank among Rajasthan Royals’ top 9 run-scorers in IPL history?
Some of the most legendary T20 batters who graced the Indian Premier League (IPL) have donned the pink of the Rajasthan Royals.
Despite their only IPL trophy coming in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2008, some of the world’s biggest stars have shone in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur.
Let’s delve deeper into the nine white-ball talents with the most runs in Rajasthan Royals franchise history.
9. Yusuf Pathan – 1,011 runs for RR in 43 IPL matches
Panthan was one of the most entertaining and explosive players in the early years of the IPL and Rajasthan Royals franchise.
His 1011 runs came at an average of 26.60 and a rapid strike rate of 161.24 as he became recognised for his ability to shift the momentum of games with his power-hitting.
A first and only IPL century came off a speedy 37 balls against the Mumbai Indians in 2010 – it remains the fastest century by an Indian in IPL history.
He was a useful off-spinner and once reportedly broke a car’s windscreen with an almighty strike that left the stadium.
8. Steve Smith – 1,070 runs for RR in 50 IPL matches
The three-format star brought his consistency and ability to score at will to the franchise over multiple stints with his knack for playing the right innings for the occasion making him invaluable in leading run chases.
Australia‘s Smith captained the Royals regularly, offering experienced leadership alongside his batting average of 30.57 with an unbeaten top score of 79* in 2016.
He’s undoubtedly one of the best T20 batters of all time – remarkable considering he made his name in the sport as a leg-spinner!
7. Riyan Parag – 1,173 runs for RR in 70 IPL matches
A young star for the franchise, Parag has become known for his fearless approach as he heads into his sixth IPL season.
The 23-year-old is one of the youngest stars on his team and has come up with some invaluable cameos that have shown experience beyond his years.
Parag’s sporting talent stretches further than cricket with him also being a national-level chess player – explaining his ability to craft tactical innings.
6. Rahul Dravid – 1,324 runs for RR in 52 IPL matches
The Wall of Indian cricket had multiple strings to his bow, being successful in T20 cricket as well as the longer formats of the game.
He managed an impressive 52 matches for the Royals between 2011 and 2013 with his legendary technique helping him anchor innings alongside the bigger hitters.
A high score of 66 in 2012 and a franchise average of 27.02 backed up why he was trusted to perform in the IPL.
Also read: Listing every Indian Premier League century since 2017 – record number of tons in 2024
5. Yashasvi Jaiswal – 1,607 runs for RR in 53 IPL matches
To be in the top five of Rajasthan Royals run scorers at just 23 years old is remarkable with one of the form players in international cricket an incredible long-term asset for the franchise.
Jaiswal’s 1607 IPL runs have come quickly, helped by his booming strike rate of 150.60 and fearless destruction of some of the world’s most dominant bowlers.
His 124 against the Mumbai Indians in 2023 showed that he’s the real deal in an inspiring success story with the young player having spent his childhood living in a tent near Mumbai.
4. Shane Watson – 2,474 runs for RR in 84 IPL matches
The Australian was one of the great all-rounders in the history of the IPL and a pillar for the Royals in their early years.
Alongside his regular contributions with the ball, Watson made his runs at an average of 35.85 and a strike rate of 140.16 showcasing the immense return he provided on the franchise’s auction bids.
A high score of 104* against the Chennai Super Kings in 2013 was a brutal display of powerful T20 batting.
His ability to juggle talents on the field wasn’t all – he launched a music career and released his own song!
3. Jos Buttler – 3,055 runs for RR in 83 IPL matches
The introduction of the wicketkeeper-batter to the pink franchise has been a game-changer with him now a member of the coveted 3000 run club.
Buttler’s ability to score 360° with his heavy bottom hand has been worth its weight in gold with an impressive average of 41.84.
He’s scored a staggering seven IPL centuries and been a staple of the Royals’ top order and England.
A true cricket badger, Buttler reportedly owns over 100 custom-made bats.
2. Ajinkya Rahane – 3,098 runs for RR in 106 IPL matches
Rahane’s classical batting and adaptability have made him one of the Royal’s most reliable players over the years.
His success in all three formats has been a testament to his versatility with him often providing stability when his side falters.
An unbeaten score of 105* in 2019 was a masterclass in anchoring an innings when called upon.
His black belt in karate no doubt helped instil the disciplined style in which he bats.
1. Sanju Samson – 3,932 runs for RR in 146 IPL matches
The current captain and face of the Rajasthan Royals franchise has been a consistent performer and fan favourite for the side.
With 4000 runs just around the corner, Samson has combined an impressive career strike rate of 140.55 with elegance and aggression at the crease.
A career-best score of 119 in 2021 against the Punjab Kings remains one of the most memorable in IPL history.
The Royals fans are no doubt glad he stuck to cricket with Samson once a national-level footballer in India.
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