As IPL 2026 draws closer, the Rajasthan Royals are ready with a fresh squad overhaul after an inconsistent 2025 campaign.
Several underperforming players were let go, and new names showing promise were retained, plus the franchise made big decisions at the auction table.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 squad, including retained and released players.
Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Squad
Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Donovan Ferreira, Sandeep Sharma, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur, Ravi Singh, Aman Rao, Brijesh Sharma, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen.
With a clear retention strategy in place, RR rebuilt a stronger and more consistent unit. They are focusing on a reliable top order, dependable finishers, and improving their bowling depth, which was a concern in IPL 2025.
RR 2026 Playing XI
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Donovan Ferreira
- Sam Curran
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Ravi Bishnoi
- Jofra Archer
- Sandeep Sharma
RR 2026 Players Bought at IPL Auction
Ravi Bishnoi (7.20 cr), Ravi Singh (95 L), Sushant Mishra (90 L), Vignesh Puthur (30 L), Yash Raj Punja (30 L), Aman Rao (30 L), Brijesh Sharma (30 L), Kuldeep Sen (75 L), Adam Milne (2.40 cr)
Players released by RR ahead of IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals released a few big names and underperformers to free up budget and overseas slots. Here’s the list of players released:
Sanju Samson (traded), Nitish Rana (traded), Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Singh Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga
Players retained by RR for IPL 2026
Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja (traded), Sam Curran (traded), 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
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Key players from the IPL 2025 campaign to build a team for the future
These four standout performers played a big role for RR in IPL 2025 and are expected to be the pillars of the team in 2026:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: A dynamic opener who consistently gave RR explosive starts. His ability to dominate attacks makes him one of the most dangerous young batters in the league.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The teenage sensation impressed everyone with his fearless batting and consistency. His breakout debut season promises a big future.
- Riyan Parag: After years of promise, Parag stepped up in 2025 with consistent performances in the top and middle order, also filling in as a leader when needed.
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RR’s retained core features a mix of experienced internationals and promising Indian talent across departments. With a solid top order, finishing power, and an improving bowling unit, Rajasthan Royals will aim for a strong resurgence in the upcoming season.
