Buttler and Stokes retained by Rajasthan Royals

Stokes was the most expensive player signed at the 2018 auction, while Buttler equalled the record for most consecutive 50s

England internationals Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes are among the players who have been retained by the Rajasthan Royals in preparation for the Indian Premier League player auction 2019.

Rajasthan enjoyed a positive 2018 as they finished 4th and made it to the playoff stage, where they were beaten by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Stokes was the most expensive player signed at the 2018 auction, with Rajasthan forking out a whopping 12.5 crore (around £1.35 million) for the allrounder, while Buttler was purchased for 4.40 crore (about £478k).

The England wicketkeeper was Rajasthan's leading runscorer after he smashed 548 runs at an average of 54.8, scoring five straight 50s, and equalling the IPL record for most consecutive 50s.

Stokes' price tag was fuelled by his performances during IPL 2017, when he was awarded the MVP, however his first year with the Royals was not quite as fruitful, as he only took 8 wickets across 13 matches at an average of 37.87, and scored 196 runs at an average of 16.33.

^{Stokes was the most expensive player at the 2018 auction}

Other big names kept on by Rajasthan included former Australia captain Steve Smith, who missed the entirety of IPL 2018 because of his part in Australia's ball-tampering controversy.

Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer, who enjoyed a breakout 2018 as he finished as their leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets, has also been retained.

Zubin Bharucha, Head of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals, commented: "The results in the previous season have been impressive and that is why we have decided not to disturb the balance of the squad. We cannot wait for the start of the 2019 season and preparation has already begun.”

IPL 2019 SQUADS: RETAINED PLAYERS AND TEAM LISTS