Strong on paper and high on confidence, the new-look Royals are ready for a crackling 15th edition of the IPL, taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in their season opener.
A new day, a fresh season, a promising squad, a solid coaching setup and of course, the unwavering support of our fans. This IPL, winning isn’t the only thing for the Royals. It’s everything.
They say well begun is half done. Having finished in the bottom half of the table last year, this new Royals squad is keen to do a lot of things right - the most important one being, starting their campaign on a winning note and moving in the same direction - until that glittering trophy comes home. With dreams in their eyes and hopes in their hearts, this promises to be a riveting season for this excited, eager and hardworking team - the Royals Class of 2022.
All eyes will once again be on the calm and composed Sanju Samson, one of only four players to have retained their IPL captaincy this year. His first season as the Royals skipper was certainly a mixed bag, but it carried more learnings than anything else. It is with these learnings that he sets off on another mission, marshalling a well-balanced team with the perfect mix of experience and youth across all departments.
Up against Samson will be another captain with similar attributes, Kane Williamson, and his troops at Sunrisers Hyderabad. The 2016 title-winners have given stiff competition to the Royals over the years, going neck and neck on most occasions. While the Royals had a solid outing at the mega auction, the Sunrisers too, picked up promising Indian and overseas talent. Going by the potential packed in both teams, one thing’s for certain, there will be no shortage of fireworks in this contest. Watch out for those maximums!