This Rajasthan Royals (RR) experienced an up and down campaign in one IPL 2025 The season has shown flashes of brilliance, most struggling to maintain momentum when it matters. Although their Indian core has impressed with the squad Sanju Samsonthe foreign players have contributed in stages, but as a unit there has been no consistency. Despite missing out on the finals, RR showed enough promise to suggest the names of several key players running up their spine.
With the 2026 auction to shake up their squad, the Royals will be keen to retain a balanced group of international stars with experience, skill and versatility. Based on performance and impact, here are three foreign players who can keep RR ahead of IPL 2026.
Rajasthan Royals’ 2025 Campaign – Flashes of brilliance but inconsistency costs
The Royals have started their IPL 2025 campaign with great intent, winning four of their first six games. Their highest order, leads Jaishvi Jaiswal Samson gave them an explosive start, bowling attack, himself Jofra the archer and Mahesh Theekshanaprovided early breakthroughs. However, as the season progressed, RR struggled with middle-order consistency and failed to close out tight matches – a recurring theme in their history.
Injuries and rotation among the outfielders have disrupted the team balance, causing RR to lose crucial games in the latter half of the league. Despite these obstacles, they managed to qualify for the playoffs, only to fall short of the title once again. The 2025 season has reinforced the need for stability and experience among foreign players – something RR will prioritize in its retention strategy ahead of IPL 2026.
3 Foreign players can keep RR ahead of IPL 2026 auction
1. Jofra Archer – Royals PACE spearhead
- Role: Fast bowler
- Price in 2025: INR 12.50 crores
- Performance in 202511 wickets in 12 matches, best figures – 3/25
Archer remains one of Rajasthan Royals’ most valuable overseas assets. The British speedster may not have delivered a stellar season statistically, but his presence and impact were undeniable. Archer’s pace, accuracy and ability to hit with both power and death has been passed over to bowler for Sanju Samson throughout the campaign.
Despite returning from a long injury lay-off, the archer showed his old rhythm, showing quick bursts of speed and troubling the top-order batsmen with sharp bounce and movement. His match-winning knock of 3/25 against KKR showed his game-changing ability. Given his experience and match-winning potential, Archer is an automatic pick for grabs ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
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2. Shimron Hetmyer – Caribbean plant
- Role: Graduate
- Price in 2025: Inr 11 crores
- Performance in 2025: 239 in 14 games, 1 fifty
Hetmyer continued to play the role of finisher for Rajasthan Royals, often providing late fireworks in narrow chases. Despite his modest totals in IPL 2025, 239 runs in 14 matches – his ability to change pace at the death limit remains a rare asset. His match-winning cameo of 32 * OFF 13 balls against Mumbai Indians reminded fans of his explosive potential.
Adding to Hetmyer’s power and spin, he is one of the few reliable finishers in T20 cricket. Moreover, its moments of temperature and temperament add balance to the lower end of RR. With limited Indian options for the finisher’s role, Hetmyer can help maintain consistency and stability in the batting line-up for the RR 2026 season.
3. Maheesh Theekshana – Spin Trump Card
- Role: Spinner
- Price in 2025: INR 4.40 crores
- Performance in 2025: 11 wickets in 11 games, best figures – 2/26
Sri Lankan Off-Spinner TheEkshana has quietly become an important part of RR’s bowling plans. Operated by an above-average operation, he regularly taints the opposition with his subtle change and control. His figures – 11 wickets in 11 games may not look extraordinary, his economy rate and ability to create pressure can often lead to wickets at the other end.
Theeksha’s efficiency on spin-friendly surfaces like Jaipur made it a valuable tactical weapon. His consistency, pressure and ability to bowl over the powerplay gives RR a versatile spin option. Considering his age and growing T20 reputation, retaining TheEkshana would be a smart long-term investment for the franchise.
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