Rajasthan Royals’ talent development program is not just a strategy. It is their original mission. The franchise has already been known for bringing up young and lesser-known players, turning them into impact performers on the IPL stage.

The rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and now Vaibhav Suryavanshi is just the latest chapter in this legacy. 

Former India coach and now the Royals’ head coach, Rahul Dravid has explained it that it all begins from the franchise’s philosophy. “Since the early years, we have always tried to identify and develop not necessarily just young talent, but those who are probably not as recognized," he reveals while speaking to Sportstar. 

He also mentioned Pravin Tambe’s name, a leg-spinner who made his IPL debut at the age of 41, as a prime example. 

Beyond just scouting, the Royals put significant effort into player development, ensuring that promising cricketers receive the right guidance and opportunities. But their commitment doesn’t stop at the playing field. “A large part of the franchise’s mission is not only to develop talent on the cricket field but also beyond it,” Dravid divulged.

While other franchises are also investing in youth development, the Royals take pride in having done it consistently over the years. Their retention strategy reflects this commitment. “That’s something we’d like to believe differentiates us from some other franchises. Of course, other teams are also trying to do the same, which is great for the league. But it remains an important part of the Royals’ philosophy,” Dravid emphasizes.