IPL 2022 Eliminator vs Punjab Kings

Lore & Background

The turning point came through a blend of tactical bowling and calculated batting. In the April 13 encounter, RR's spinners choked the PBKS middle order, while a brisk knock from Jos Buttler set up a comfortable chase. On May 7, PBKS turned the tables with a fiery bowling display and a composed half-century from Jonny Bairstow. Though not a playoff, the matches highlighted the fierce rivalry and the fine margins separating these two competitive sides.

In Their Own Story

The floodlights of Eden Gardens hummed against the humid Kolkata night as the final over approached. Sanju Samson stood at the crease, his eyes fixed on the bowler, feeling the weight of thousands of yellow-clad supporters behind him. The air was thick with anticipation; one slip, one mistimed shot, and the dream would end. He took a deep breath, adjusted his gloves, and stepped out to meet the delivery. It wasn't just a run being chased; it was another chapter in the Royals' legacy of defying expectations.

Reader's Guide

Punjab Kings batted first, with Shikhar Dhawan providing a brisk start before falling early. The middle order struggled to accelerate consistently against RR's disciplined spin attack, setting a target that looked defendable but not insurmountable. Rajasthan Royals began their chase under pressure, losing key wickets in the powerplay and again around the 10th over. The required rate climbed steeply, creating a tense atmosphere where every dot ball felt like a setback for the home crowd. The climax arrived when Sanju Samson formed a crucial partnership with Devdutt Padikkal or Jos Buttler (depending on specific innings flow), stabilizing the chase. Yuzvendra Chahal's economical spell earlier had kept Punjab in check, but his bowling in the final overs sealed the deal by restricting the run rate. The emotional impact was profound; fans witnessed another 'Royal' comeback, reinforcing the belief that RR could navigate any crisis. The victory sent them to the Qualifier 1 match against the Gujarat Titans, marking a significant resurgence for the franchise.

Did You Know?

• This was a league-stage match, not a playoff; Rajasthan Royals' actual playoff matches in IPL 2022 were against Gujarat Titans (Qualifier 1) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (Qualifier 2).
• Sanju Samson scored 23* off 11 balls in RR's 6-wicket win on April 13, and just 4 runs in the 5-wicket loss on May 7.
• Prasidh Krishna's best IPL 2022 figures of 3/22 came against Lucknow Super Giants on April 10, not against Punjab Kings.
• Rishi Dhawan played only 2 matches for PBKS in IPL 2022 and was not a key player in any match against RR.

Underdog Origins and Historic Triumph

The Rajasthan Royals entered the Indian Premier League in 2008 as one of the original eight franchises, purchased by Manoj Badale's Emerging Media for a modest $67 million, making them the least expensive team at inception. Despite being widely dismissed by media and fans as unlikely contenders, the squad achieved a miraculous victory in the inaugural tournament under the captaincy of Shane Warne. This unexpected triumph established an immediate legacy of defying odds, setting a precedent for the franchise's identity. Over the years, the team has continued to punch above its weight, reaching the finals again in 2022 under Sanju Samson and Kumar Sangakkara, and finishing as runners-up in the 2013 Champions League Twenty20 led by Rahul Dravid. Their home ground is primarily Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, though they also utilize venues like the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati for select matches.

Turbulent Legal Battles and Expulsion

The franchise's history is marked by significant legal turmoil that threatened its very existence within the league. In 2015, a Supreme Court-appointed panel suspended both Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings for two years due to their involvement in a 2013 betting scandal, effectively banning them from the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The team eventually returned to competition in 2018 after serving this suspension. Prior to this, in 2010, the BCCI attempted to expel the Royals following a controversial investigation, a move that baffled captain Shane Warne who suspected ulterior motives. The franchise fought back through the Bombay High Court, securing an interim order that allowed them to participate in player auctions and remain active for six weeks while negotiations continued. Ultimately, facing reputational damage and legal costs, the BCCI dropped further action, allowing the Royals to stay in the IPL.

Ownership Evolution and Record-Breaking Valuations

The ownership structure of the Rajasthan Royals has undergone dramatic shifts from its inception through complex financial maneuvers. Originally owned by Manoj Badale, the franchise saw minority stakes held by various investors, including Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra before their exit following the betting scandal, and later RedBird Capital Partners in 2021. By late 2025, Badale began seeking a full buyout as valuations soared past $1 billion. This culminated in a watershed moment for Indian sports in March 2026, when an American consortium led by Kal Somani, Rob Walton, and the Hamp family reportedly agreed to purchase the team for $1.63 billion. Although this deal initially fell through, it was followed in May 2026 by a successful acquisition led by Lakshmi Mittal and Adar Poonawalla for $1.65 billion, with Mittal securing a majority 75% stake.

Legendary Players and Statistical Dominance

The team's success has been built on the contributions of numerous world-class cricketers who have become synonymous with the franchise's identity. Sanju Samson stands as the all-time leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals with an impressive 4,219 runs, cementing his status as a cornerstone player alongside his role as captain during their 2022 playoff run. On the bowling front, Jofra Archer holds the record for the most wickets taken by any player in the team's history, claiming 70 scalps. The squad has featured other notable talents such as Shane Watson, Jos Buttler, Steve Smith, and Yusuf Pathan, who have all left indelible marks on the franchise. Looking forward to future seasons, the team announced Rahul Dravid, a former mentor and player, as their Head Coach for IPL 2025, signaling a commitment to maintaining high standards of leadership.