"What have they gotten out of it?": Ambati Rayudu blasts Rajasthan Royals for backing youngsters

With Rajasthan Royals performing poorly in the ongoing IPL 2025, former India batsman Ambati Rayudu has blamed the franchise's constant investment in young players for the team's on-field struggle.

While the Royals were one of the most consistent teams in the last few seasons and had qualified for the playoffs, they have struggled with their form this year, right from the start. They began their campaign with two defeats before registering two wins in a row.

However, they could not sustain the winning momentum for long and those two wins were followed by four defeats in a row. In their last two games, the Royals suffered losses from winning positions. In both games, they needed 9 runs from the final over but could not get the job done.

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With only two wins from eight games, the Sanju Samson-led side is currently languishing at the eighth spot in the points table. Their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are but over. They will have to win all of their remaining six games to stand any chance of finishing in the top four.

Also Read: Chennai Super Kings bashed left, right, and centre by Ambati Rayudu

Ambati Rayudu slams Rajasthan Royals:

With the Rajasthan Royals struggling this season, Ambati Rayudu has slammed the franchise and questioned their commitment to winning. The Royals have not won the title since winning the inaugural IPL season in 2008. Ambati Rayudu also took a dig at their constant investment in young players, saying that the franchise should focus more on competing.

"I've always had this question in my mind when it comes to RR: they've invested so much in youngsters over the years. What have they gotten out of it? It's been 17 years since they've won an IPL, and they always showcase this as if it's their strength. It is some great charity that they're doing for the game, but it is not. You're here to compete," Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo's Timeout.

"You're here to win the IPL, and there are ways teams have adopted to win the IPL, and you don't follow any of those. You have your own path, and you justify it year after year. And you want people to come on board and appreciate you for the good team that you are by giving youngsters all over the world a good opportunity in the IPL," Ambati Rayudu added.

The Royals have indeed backed several youngsters over the years, although they have not really gotten the desired result from those investments. In recent years, they have backed the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Sanju Samson but have not won the title.

Former South Africa wicketkeeper and Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher also echoed the same sentiments, saying: "Yeah, I just and this goes for any franchise. I don't think that the IPL is a breeding ground for talent. I think it's for a finished product.

"Yeah, I mean you don't, no team will ever come into the IPL thinking, okay well, we've got a team here that I think is gonna do well in the next three years. That's what you go to auction for."