IPL 2025 has turned into a season of struggles for the Rajasthan Royals. Facing challenges on multiple fronts, the team finds itself teetering on the edge of playoff elimination. Although mathematically still alive with two wins from nine matches, even the franchise’s bowling coach Shane Bond admits that their season, in terms of playoffs qualification, is all but over.
Despite the disappointing run, Bond insists that the team still has plenty to play for. Rajasthan Royals have dazzled at times with impressive Powerplay performances, but have failed to sustain momentum through the full 40 overs. The bowlers, too, have faltered, contributing to a damaging five-match losing streak. Particularly frustrating have been the last three losses, where close contests slipped through their fingers.
Reflecting on the campaign so far, Bond said, “The hardest thing is that, for 35 overs of games we’ve played really well and in fact have been in control in some games and probably got into positions where we should have won. You have to give credit to the opposition; they were good enough in those tight moments to go over the top of us and win those games.”
The Royals’ poor conversion in crucial moments has been a major theme this season. Acknowledging the grim reality, Bond added, “I suppose that’s what hurts us. We’re 2 (wins) and 7 (losses), and go, jeez, where we could sit on the table, but there’s nothing we can do about that now. We’re probably out of the tournament in terms of the points table, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to play for. Obviously, as a team, we want to make sure we finish the season strong and continue playing well, but also for individuals there’s a lot to play for, for the next season, wanting to stay with the franchise.”
Last season, Rajasthan Royals had a far more successful outing, finishing third with eight wins in the league stage. This year, however, they find themselves languishing in ninth place, having already suffered seven losses. Their form at home hasn’t helped either; they have lost both matches played at Jaipur so far. Up next, they face Gujarat Titans, and another defeat will officially extinguish even their faint mathematical hopes of reaching the playoffs.
