Rajasthan Royals (RR) With a strategy focused on the challenge of IPL 2026, the Core Group is focused on developing its competitors, unique performances as they prepare to go through each auction from the previous one.
Rajasthan Royals retain 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi among their key players
RR retained 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has continued to play his record-breaking knock since his IPL debut. Other vitals include young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and others Rian Paragbut also seasoned campaigners like Jofra Archer (Overseas) and Indian all-rounder Ravindra Cadeja, who recently joined RR in a major trade deal. RR’s acquisition of these players demonstrates their commitment to a balanced combination of youth and experience.
The Royals released several players to free up salary cap space and open slots for the auction. This includes the omission of some foreign stars and local players who have had limited impact or inconsistent performances in recent seasons. These moves provide RR with the flexibility to bid aggressively for new talent and specialists in the auction to bolster weak phases such as death bowling and middle-order batting.
RR’s strategy for IPL 2026 auction
With a healthy wallet balance, the RR is well positioned for one of the busiest IPL Auctions. Their aim is to fill PACE with options in bowling and all-round skills to fill role-specific gaps and complement their strong core. They aim to maintain their competitive edge while building a versatile squad capable of adapting to different circumstances.
RR’s catch strategy adds to their continued leadership with youthful exuberance, showing a team ready to challenge for the title. The retention of Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and other key players provides continuity, while the voids of released players will allow for fresh energy and new skills.
Read: IPL 2026 – Opens after Ravindra Jadeja joins Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings
Rajasthan Royals: Catch, release, trade and purse
Players released: Kunal Singh Rathore, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya, Sanju Samson (sold to Chennai Super Kings), Nitish Rana (sold to Delhi Capitals)
Players saved: Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archaka, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Dubey, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh, Ravindra Jadeja (Traded from CSK), SAM Curran (Traded from CSK)
Bag left: INR 16.05 CR
Remaining slots: 9 (1 foreign)
