The mood in the Rajasthan Royals (RR) camp has taken a somber turn as their bowling coach, Shane Bond, candidly admitted that the team is “probably out of the tournament” in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. This blunt assessment comes after a string of disappointing results that have left the inaugural champions languishing near the bottom of the points table.
Speaking to the media ahead of their crucial home game against Gujarat Titans today, Bond didn’t mince words about the team’s current predicament. “The hardest thing is that, for 35 overs of games we’ve played really well and in fact have been in control in some games and probably got into positions where we should have won,” Bond stated, reflecting on the close encounters that slipped through their fingers.
The Royals have particularly struggled in the latter stages of matches, failing to capitalize on dominant positions. Three of their recent five losses have been in games where they appeared to be in control during run chases, twice falling short in the final over and once failing to secure a chase needing just 18 runs off the last two overs with set batsmen at the crease.
“You have to give credit to the opposition; they were good enough in those tight moments to go over the top of us and win those games,” Bond acknowledged. He lamented the fact that despite playing well for significant portions of their matches, their inability to clinch those crucial moments has cost them dearly. “I suppose that’s what hurts us. We’re two wins and seven losses, and go, jeez, where we could sit on the table, but there’s nothing we can do about that now.”
While acknowledging the bleak outlook regarding playoff qualification based on their current standing, Bond emphasized that there is still plenty to play for in the remaining matches. “We’re probably out of the tournament in terms of the points table, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a lot to play for. Obviously, as a team, we want to make sure we finish the season strong and continue playing well,” he asserted.
Beyond the team’s performance, Bond also highlighted the individual incentives for the players. “Also, for individuals, there’s a lot to play for. For next season, wanting to stay with the franchise, there’s always that up,” he pointed out, suggesting that players will be eager to prove their worth for future contracts.
Bond also addressed concerns about the bowling unit’s performance, defending their efforts despite some expensive overs. “Collectively as a bowling unit, especially over the last three games, we’ve done a pretty good job and kept the opposition to scores perhaps we should have chased down,” he argued.
While Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming recently attributed his team’s struggles to auction strategy, Bond believes Rajasthan’s issues stem more from failing to seize those critical junctures in games rather than a flawed auction. He highlighted the strong three-year cycle the Royals had prior to this season, including a final appearance and playoff berths.
With regular captain Sanju Samson still recovering from an abdominal injury, Riyan Parag continues to lead the side. Bond doesn’t foresee this being a permanent arrangement but acknowledged the valuable leadership experience Parag is gaining. “He’s got a very sharp cricketing brain. I think the stuff that he’s done on the field with the bowlers and the changes that he’s made have been really good. For us, I suppose the upside is you’ve got someone else who’s gained a little bit more leadership experience for next year as well,” Bond explained.
Despite the apparent end to their playoff aspirations, Shane Bond’s words suggest that the Rajasthan Royals will not simply go through the motions in their remaining fixtures. They will be aiming to finish the season on a positive note, both as a team and for the individual players looking to secure their future with the franchise. Their match against Gujarat Titans will be a crucial test of their resolve and a chance to salvage some pride from a disappointing campaign.
