Rajasthan Royals (RR) entered the 2026 cycle with the most talked-about move in the league: trading away their long-time captain Sanju Samson to CSK. In return, they secured a championship-winning spine featuring Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. Their 2026 auction strategy was focused on rebuilding a bowling attack that can exploit the bounce and turn of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The Official Squad Breakdown
| Batters & Wicket-Keepers | All-Rounders | Bowlers |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Ravindra Jadeja (C) | Ravi Bishnoi |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Sam Curran ✈️ | Jofra Archer ✈️ |
| Shimron Hetmyer ✈️ | Donovan Ferreira ✈️ | Adam Milne ✈️ |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | Riyan Parag | Sandeep Sharma |
| Shubham Dubey | Yudhvir Singh Charak | Tushar Deshpande |
| Ravi Singh (WK) | Lhuan-dre Pretorius ✈️ | Nandre Burger ✈️ |
| Yash Raj Punja | Aman Rao Perala | Kwena Maphaka ✈️ |
| Brijesh Sharma | Sushant Mishra | |
| Kuldeep Sen | ||
| Vignesh Puthur |
The “New Faces” & Strategic Moves
RR’s auction was defined by “smart reinforcements” to complement their heavy trade-window acquisitions.
- The Crown Jewel: Ravi Bishnoi (₹7.20 Cr). RR won a fierce bidding war against CSK and SRH to bring the leg-spinner to his home-state franchise. His partnership with Ravindra Jadeja is expected to be the most economical spin duo in the tournament.
- The Overseas Engine: Adam Milne (₹2.40 Cr). Secured to fill the final overseas slot, Milne provides high-pace backup for Jofra Archer, ensuring the Royals always have a 150kmph threat.
- The “Homecoming”: Kuldeep Sen (₹75 Lakh). After a year away, the express pacer returns to the fold to add depth to the domestic seam attack.
- The Keeping Cover: Ravi Singh (₹95 Lakh). A calculated buy to provide a secondary wicket-keeping option behind Dhruv Jurel following Samson’s departure.
Probable XI & Impact Strategy
This XI features a fascinating blend of teenage exuberance at the top and immense international experience in the middle.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja (C)
- Shimron Hetmyer ✈️
- Sam Curran ✈️
- Jofra Archer ✈️
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Sandeep Sharma
- Tushar Deshpande
Impact Player Strategy:
- The Overseas Finisher: Donovan Ferreira ✈️ is the primary batting sub if RR needs to chase a massive total or loses early wickets.
- The Left-Arm Fire: Nandre Burger ✈️ or Kwena Maphaka ✈️ can be subbed in for a batter to create a relentless left-arm opening burst alongside Sam Curran.
Analysis: The Highs, Lows, and Gaps
What they got right: The Leadership Upgrade – Trading Samson for Ravindra Jadeja is a “win-now” move. Jadeja brings a level of tactical maturity and big-match temperament that perfectly complements the aggressive youth of Jaiswal and Suryavanshi. Their bowling attack is now arguably the most versatile in the league, covering every base from mystery spin to express pace.
The Gaps They Forgot to Plug: The “Sanju-Sized” Batting Hole – While they gained a leader, they lost their most consistent middle-order run-getter. The pressure on Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag to anchor the innings is significantly higher this year. If the young top order fails, the batting depth depends heavily on Jadeja and Curran’s finishing abilities.
The X-Factor: Vaibhav Suryavanshi – The 14-year-old prodigy (at the time of his debut) is now a year older and more experienced. If he can provide the same explosive starts he showed in flashes during 2025, RR will have the most feared opening pair in the IPL.
5. The Final Verdict
The 2026 Rajasthan Royals have shed their “underdog” skin to become a Defensive Powerhouse. They have built a squad that can defend 160 on almost any ground in India. Under Kumar Sangakkara’s guidance, RR has moved toward a model of “Aggressive Stability.” They are no longer just playing for the playoffs—they are playing for the trophy.
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