Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals (RR) is a professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Founded in 2008 as one of the league's eight original franchises, the team plays its home matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which has a capacity of 30,000 spectators1.
Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural IPL title in 2008 under the leadership of Australian legend Shane Warne7. The franchise was originally owned by UK-based Emerging Media. In 2026, a US-based consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani acquired 100% of the franchise for $1.63 billion, making RR the costliest IPL team at that time.
The team's colors are pink and gold.
Franchise History
Inaugural Championship (2008)
Rajasthan Royals was one of the eight original franchises in the inaugural IPL season in 2008. The team was bought by UK-based Emerging Media for $67 million. Australian leg-spin legend Shane Warne was appointed as captain, and under his leadership, RR exceeded all expectations6.
The team finished first in the league stage with 11 wins from 14 matches. In the final against Chennai Super Kings at Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium, RR won by three wickets in a dramatic last-ball finish. This victory made RR the first and only team to win an IPL title with a captain other than Dhoni or Rohit Sharma3.
Key performers in 2008 included Shane Watson (Player of the Tournament with 472 runs and 17 wickets), Shaun Marsh (Orange Cap winner with 616 runs), and Sohail Tanvir (Purple Cap winner with 22 wickets)6.
Post-Championship Years (2009–2017)
After their 2008 triumph, RR struggled to replicate their early success. The team made the playoffs only twice—in 2013 and 2015—but failed to win the title again. In 2015, RR reached the final but lost to Mumbai Indians2.
The franchise was suspended from the IPL in 2016 and 2017 due to the spot-fixing controversy involving the ownership group1.
Return and Modern Era (2018–Present)
RR returned to the IPL in 2018 with new owners. The team has become known for investing in young Indian talent. In 2022, RR reached the final as runners-up but lost to Gujarat Titans3. The 2023 season saw RR finish fourth2.
In 2026, a US-based consortium led by Kal Somani acquired 100% of RR for $1.63 billion, making it the most expensive IPL franchise.
Ownership
Rajasthan Royals was originally owned by Emerging Media, a UK-based company led by Manoj Badale, who bought the franchise for $67 million in 2008. In 2026, a US-based consortium led by entrepreneur Kal Somani acquired 100% of RR for $1.63 billion.
Team Identity
The franchise's colors are pink and gold. The team is nicknamed "The Royals" and has a passionate fanbase in Rajasthan.
In 2025, Riyan Parag took over as captain, becoming one of the youngest captains in IPL history.
Season-by-Season Record
| Season | Position | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 1st | Champions |
| 2009 | 6th | League stage |
| 2010 | 7th | League stage |
| 2011 | 6th | League stage |
| 2012 | 7th | League stage |
| 2013 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2014 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2015 | 2nd | Runner-up |
| 2016–2017 | Suspended | — |
| 2018 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2019 | 7th | League stage |
| 2020 | 8th | League stage |
| 2021 | 6th | League stage |
| 2022 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2023 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2024 | 6th | Playoffs |
| 2025 | 4th | Playoffs |