Rajasthan symbolises valour. And the team lives up to its reputation. For, Rajasthan Royals has a leader with an amazing vision and some gifted players who can make the opposition squirm. Winner of the first edition in 2008, this team, led by player-cum-coach Shane Warne, will be keenly followed in this edition.
It may not be the favourite but it can be ignored only at one's peril.
With Warne at the helm, there will be no dearth of motivation and tactical acumen when the team desires.
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Though Warne has faded as a bowler, he can always be trusted to pull off a trick or two. He has experienced it well enough to chalk out the right strategies for a team that has loads of talent.
Leading the pack is Shane Watson. He can swing the match on his own. Ross Taylor is an exciting batsman. The presence of Rahul Dravid adds lustre to the team's batting strength. Rajasthan Royals also offers some fresh local talent who promise to dominate the stage in times to come.
The Ranji Trophy triumph remains the biggest motivating factor for Rajasthan with youngsters like seamer Deepak Chahar and left-handed batsman Ashok Menaria being the most promising cricketers to have emerged from a State that rediscovered pride and confidence during the last season.
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The fast bowling options brought by Siddharth Trivedi and Shaun Tait will be welcomed by Warne. How the spin legend handles the team will be the key to Rajasthan Royals' hopes of winning the IPL crown once again.