Five players have so far withdrawn from the Indian Premier League due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals have been hit the hardest out all the 8 teams.
Rajasthan Royals' two key players Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer have already withdrawn from the IPL 2021 due to injuries, while Lyme Livingstone and Andrew Tye withdrew due to bio-bubble fatigue and returned home.
With the withdrawal of four foreign players, RR now has only four foreign options left: Jose Butler, David Miller, Chris Morris and Mustafizur Rahman. So in the mid-window transfer that has just started, RR are looking to get few replacements from other teams.
No franchise can trade more than three of its players to a single franchise. Rajasthan Royals have requested Chennai Super Kings for opener Robin Uthappa. Uthappa has not played a single match for CSK in IPL 2021.
Robin Uthappa was a member of Rajasthan Royals squad in IPL 2020, but he was traded to CSK before the season in all cash deal.
Ajinkya Rahane can also join Rajasthan Royals squad midway. He has played two matches in IPL 2021. As a rule, a player who has played two or more matches may be replaced. So RR can try to get Ajinkya in their squad from Delhi Capitals.
Rajasthan can also try for Mumbai Indians' all-rounder Jimmy Neesham Mumbai who is yet to play a game in IPL 2021. The Kiwi star is a like for like replacement for Ben Stokes.
Rajasthan Royals are 7th in the table after winning 2 out of 5 matches.