As the IPL extavaganza is just round the corner we take a look at the various teams and their strengths and weaknesses as part of our preview column.  We have choses the Rajasthan Royals the winners of the first IPL in 2008 who are returning to the fold after missing out on the 2016 and 17 editions due to corruption charges.

With just about a fortnight left for the Royals to begin their campaign on the 9th of April against Sunrisers Hyderabad the drama has already started as Steve Smith stepped down as captain following his ball tampering scandal in the just concluded 3rd test against South Africa.  The good thing is a level headed Ajinkya Rahane has been named to lead and his own batting form has returned after a few stutters.

The Rajasthan Royals have a well balanced side with the costliest buy Ben Stokes who is a true blooded game changer with both the bat and the ball.  The other allrounder in the side is the reliable Stuart Binny who more often than not gets the breakthroughs with the ball and more than useful with the bat.  The captain himself could open with one of the youngsters like Prashanth Chopra or the current T20 sensation D'Arcy Short and give the starts for the likes of Jos Butler who is in terrific form to capitalize with monster hits.  The batting department has more fire power with Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal and Steve Smith while the newcomers too could emerge.

As far as the bowling is concerned there is Australian pacer Ben Laughlin with our own Jaydev Unadkat and Dawat Kulkarni who will have support from the other quickies and partimers.  The one aspect that the Royals lack in is a quality leggie or off spinner in the fray which could hurt them.  Overall the IPL men in blue look poised to challenge any opposition with the players they have in the team.