The Rajasthan Royals have set the stage for a strategic rebuild ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, entering the upcoming player auction with a purse of Rs 16.05 crore and nine slots to fill. This follows a significant roster reshuffle that has sent ripples through the league, marked by the release of several high-profile names.
Major Overhaul: Samson and Other Stars Released
In a move that signals a clear shift in team strategy, the Royals have parted ways with a group of prominent players. The most notable exit is that of their former captain, Sanju Samson. He is joined by Nitish Rana, Akash Madhwal, Maheesh Theekshana, and Wanindu Hasaranga, among others. This bold decision to release established talent underscores the franchise's intent to reshape its squad dynamics for the new campaign.
A Strong Retained Core Forms the Foundation
Despite the high-profile departures, Rajasthan has maintained a formidable and balanced core group of players. The batting unit will continue to revolve around the explosive Yashasvi Jaiswal and the talented Riyan Parag. They are supported by power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer, wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel, and promising youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
The team's balance receives a significant boost from the presence of experienced all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, who bring both skill and leadership to the side. The pace attack looks menacing with Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger leading the charge, backed by the Indian duo of Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande.
Focus on Youth and Strategic Auction Approach
The Royals have also placed their trust in emerging international prospects, retaining South African pacer Kwena Maphaka and wicketkeeper-batter Lhuan-Dre Pretorius. Indian depth options like Shubham Dubey and Yudhvir Singh have also been kept in the fold.
With only one overseas slot available and limited funds compared to some rivals, the franchise is expected to adopt a measured and cautious approach at the IPL 2026 auction. Their strategy will likely focus on identifying and filling specific gaps in the squad, while heavily relying on their retained core to deliver consistent performances throughout the season.
Rajasthan Royals Full Squad for IPL 2026:
Retained Players: Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh.
Released Players: Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Singh Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga.
