The “royal” cricketers representing the pink city have a team which looks very confusing at first. For starters, it lacks clear match winners that have been proved in the Twenty20 format. The only sort of star appeal comes with the presence of Shane Warne acting as bowler, batsmen and coach! This kind of multi role for an individual makes us suspect that the team is using a low cost model.

Taking a look at the batting lineup, there’s Grame Smith, Mohammada Kaif and Younis Khan. Mohammad Kaif once upon a time used to play the saviour role for Team India, but now it’s been more than a year since he’s out of International cricket. The major problem is that his batting technique doesn’t meet the demands of Twenty20 cricket.

Dimitri Mascarenhas, the first English player to join IPL, has been projected as one of the key players in the team. I am bit skeptical of this claim because he hasn’t done anything significant in International Cricket except scoring those (in)famous 5 consecutive sixes off Yuvraj Singh’s bowling. They also have Yusuf Pathan, who’s has done nothing in international cricket except scoring a six in T20 world cup final.

Another major problem area for the Rajasthan Royals is that they have no reserve wicket keeper. Kamran Akmal is the only wicket keeper batsman, and since only 4 international players are allowed per game, he’s going to take up a valuable slot.

The U-22 slots are filled by Ravindra Jadeja and Taruwar Kohli. Kohli may open the innings along with Grame Smith, which will be good experience for the young lad, and Ravindra Jadeja, the left arm orthodox spinner, will probably be effective in Indian conditions. It’ll be interesting to see how he learns and delivers under the leadership (coach) of the almost-legendary Shane Warne.

Shane Watson is the lone recognized all rounder. His inclusion brings a sort of relief in hopelessly unbalanced side. Coming to the bowling department there’s Shane Warne, Munaf Patel and Sohail Tanveer. Shane Warne, one of the most successful bowler in cricket, will have a crucial role to play. It’s been a year since he’s retired from international cricket, so there are some question marks over his ability to deliver in a high-paced, fast action Twenty20 game. We also know that he’s very uncomfortable playing under the hot Indian summer. Given that Jaipur will be playing 7 matches in their home turf where it will as hot as oven, Warne’s fitness will be a major cause of concern.

Munaf Patel is a good bowler, but unfortunately he’s proved himself to be a pathetic fielder and a totally useless batsman. Not something to be proud of in the Twenty20 format. Sohail Tanveer, on the other hand, bowls with the wrong foot. His four overs will be very crucial as many batsmen in opposition will face difficulty reading his bowling. He can be a useful batsmen in lower order, and remember that in the Twenty20 final, he along Misbah, brought Pakistan dangerously close to victory.

In summary, the team looks very shaky on paper, but you never know with Twenty20! Maybe they’re using a strategy we’re now aware of? On the positive side, they have a really good website!