GT vs RR: Rajasthan Royals Invite Players From The 2008 Season For Felicitation

Rajasthan Royals has made a special gesture ahead of the IPL 2022 final against Gujarat Titans on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. On the occasion, they have invited the players from the 2008 season to felicitate them. This is one massive step from the management to also remember Shane Warne, who led them to their first-ever IPL title.

Munaf Patel, Yusuf Pathan, Swapnil Asnodkar, Dinesh Salunkhe, Siddharth Trivedi, and Ravindra Jadeja are among those who are invited. Few overseas players like Kamran Akmal, Shane Watson, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Kamran Akmal, Darren Lehmann, and Sohail Tanvir will not be able to attend the function due to personal commitments. Graeme Smith who was a part of the Royals 2008 squad will be present in the evening. He is also a part of the commentary team for the IPL.

“We are a family and we believe in the principle of ‘once a Royal always a Royal. We want all our family members to be part of our celebrations and success” said Romi Bhander, the head of Rajasthan Royals’ Jaipur-based high-performance center.

Meanwhile, Swapnil Asnodkar has confirmed his participation in the event to TOI. “I have been invited and I will be going there tomorrow,” said Asnodkar.

Against all odds, Warne’s Rajasthan Royals defeated MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings to win the first-ever IPL title back in 2008. 14 years down the line, an inspired Sanju Samson is eyeing to win the title again for the franchise.

Rajasthan Royals Defeated Chennai Super Kings In First-Ever IPL Final

Rajasthan Royals owner Manoj Badale spoke about the reunion of the 2008 players and spoke about how impactful it will be for the side. Besides, he also extended his greetings to the team for the final.

“We are delighted that so many of our heroes from 2008 have accepted the invitation. To join the IPL final as guests of the Rajasthan Royals. There is a great group coming – including Royals legends such as Yusuf Pathan. And several of the ‘unknowns’ who made such an impact that year like Swapnil Asnodkar and Dinesh Salunkhe. Once you have been part of the Royals family, you never leave. And it has been humbling to have so many messages of support from past players,” Badale said.

Also Read: GT vs RR: Gujarat Titans Will Have A Slight Edge Over Rajasthan Royals – Suresh Raina On IPL 2022 Final