Rajasthan Royals have completely changed the IPL 2026 story after confirming some of the biggest trades of the season. The long discussion about Sanju Samson’s future is finally over. RR have moved on from their long-time captain, which marks the end of an important chapter and the beginning of a full team rebuild.
After finishing ninth in IPL 2025, everyone expected RR to make changes. But the franchise has gone much further. Under Kumar Sangakkara, the Royals have decided to rebuild their core group, reset leadership roles, and give the team a fresh direction.
In this article, you will find all confirmed details about RR’s retentions, trades, released players, and their complete auction plan for IPL 2026.
RR Squad in IPL 2025
Rajasthan Royals had a strong team for the IPL 2025 season, featuring players like Sanju Samson, Nitish Rana, young star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and several others.
Take a look at how KKR put together its team for IPL 2025.
Squad
Sanju Samson (c), Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Kunal Rathore, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya Singh, Tushar Deshpande, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Mapahaka, Ashok Sharma, Nandre Burger
Rajasthan Royals kept six key players before IPL 2025. These were Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma. This decision helped maintain stability and core strength.
They also brought in important additions during the auction, including Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akash Madhwal, to address needs in pace and spin.
Confirmed Trades by RR for IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals have completed three major trades, including one of the biggest moves in franchise history.
| Player | Move Details | New Price | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | Traded Out to CSK | ₹18 Cr | Ends his 10+ year RR journey; leadership reset begins. |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Traded In from CSK | ₹14 Cr | Superstar all-rounder and instant dressing-room leader. |
| Sam Curran | Traded In from CSK | ₹2.4 Cr | High-impact left-arm all-rounder for balance and depth. |
| Nitish Rana | Traded Out to DC | ₹4.2 Cr | Frees Indian batting slot and purse space. |
| Donovan Ferreira | Traded In from DC | ₹1 Cr | Power-hitting WK-bat for lower-order finishing. |
Confirmed RR Retentions for IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals are expected to keep a strong core for the IPL 2026 mini-auction. Sanju Samson is not on the retention list because he is reportedly thinking about leaving the franchise, though nothing is confirmed yet.
With a good mix of young players and international experience, the Royals want to build continuity and improve on their last campaign.
While key Indian talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag are important to their plans, the Royals will also depend on overseas bowlers to offer a winning advantage.
Here is the confirmed player retention for RR before IPL 2026:
| Player Name | Role | Reason for Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja (Trade) | All-rounder | Instant leadership, elite match-winner. |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter | RR’s future superstar and consistent run-maker. |
| Riyan Parag | All-rounder | Improved finisher with all-round value. |
| Dhruv Jurel | WK-Batter | Long-term wicketkeeping and finishing option. |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batter | Explosive overseas hitter. |
| Jofra Archer | Bowler | World-class pace match-winner. |
| Sam Curran (Trade) | All-rounder | Versatile pace all-rounder with finishing ability. |
| Sandeep Sharma | Bowler | Reliable death-overs Indian pacer. |
| Tushar Deshpande | Bowler | Pacer retained for squad depth. |
| Nandre Burger | Bowler | Left-arm pace variation. |
| Kwena Maphaka | Bowler | Raw pace potential for the future. |
| Lhuan-Dre Pretorius | WK-Batter | Overseas wicketkeeper option. |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Batter | Highly promising young Indian batter. |
| Shubham Dubey | Batter | Middle-order depth. |
| Yudhvir Singh Charak | All-rounder | Valuable Indian all-rounder. |
| Donovan Ferreira (Trade) | WK-Batter | Lower-order hitting power. |
RR Releases for IPL 2026 (Confirmed)
As Rajasthan Royals prepare for the IPL 2026 mini-auction, they are likely to release several players who either underperformed in IPL 2025 or no longer align with the team’s evolving strategy.
This move is aimed at freeing up funds, resetting leadership roles, and refining squad depth for a more competitive campaign.
Here are the confirmed players who have departed the Rajasthan Royals squad ahead of the IPL 2026 Mini-Auction:
- Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper-Batter): Traded Out to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). After a long and defining association with RR, the player felt “personally and emotionally drained” following a difficult previous season and sought a fresh start.
- Nitish Rana (Batter): Traded Out to Delhi Capitals (DC). This was a direct player-swap deal, moving to DC in exchange for South African finisher Donovan Ferreira.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (All-Rounder): The world-class Sri Lankan spin all-rounder was released to clear a crucial overseas slot and a significant portion of the salary cap (₹5.25 Crore).
- Maheesh Theekshana (Bowler): The mystery spinner was let go to create additional salary cap space (₹4.40 Crore) and an overseas slot. The team is now looking to simplify its spin attack around the new core.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Bowler): The Afghan left-arm seamer was released, with the franchise opting to retain other overseas pace options like Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, and Nandre Burger.
- Akash Madhwal (Bowler): The Indian fast bowler was released to optimize the Indian pace attack composition and free up funds to target new domestic talent better suited to the team’s overhauled structure in the auction.
- Kumar Kartikeya Singh (Bowler): The left-arm spinner was released as the team looks to explore different, possibly more high-impact, domestic spin options for squad depth in the upcoming auction.
- Ashok Sharma (Bowler): The Indian pacer was let go to trim the domestic bench strength and further increase the available auction purse.
- Kunal Rathore (Wicketkeeper-Batter): The backup wicketkeeper was released to streamline the squad, with RR backing Dhruv Jurel and using the newly acquired Donovan Ferreira as a multi-role overseas option.
RR’s Strategy for IPL 2026 Auction
Rajasthan Royals are likely to enter the IPL 2026 auction with a focus on rebalancing their squad after a mixed 2025 season. With key players released and leadership changes potentially underway, the franchise will aim to invest wisely in Indian talent, strengthen their finishing options, and build a bowling unit that can deliver across conditions.
Key Strategies:
- Find a new captain or leadership figure to replace Sanju Samson, if his departure is confirmed.
- Target aggressive middle-order batters to address finishing concerns exposed in IPL 2025.
- Invest in Indian pace bowlers for better depth and rotation across the season.
- Bring in an experienced domestic batter to support Jaiswal and Parag in the top order.
- Optimize overseas picks by focusing on impact players instead of reputation-based signings.
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Conclusion: Rajasthan Royals Are Ready For A Fresh Start In IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals are now entering a brand new chapter as they prepare for IPL 2026. With Sanju Samson moving out and several major trades completed, the team has fully committed to rebuilding its structure, leadership, and long-term plan.
The franchise has kept a strong mix of young Indian talents and proven overseas match-winners to build a stable and balanced core. Bringing in Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran has given RR both leadership support and all-round depth that can make an immediate impact.
Even though the team finished low in the previous season, the Royals are now reshaping their squad with clearer ideas, smarter roles, and a stronger vision. Fans can expect a team that plays with fresh energy, better planning, and a stronger sense of direction.
As IPL 2026 approaches, RR looks ready to bounce back with a new identity and a confident approach. The rebuild has started, and the Royals want to return as a serious contender once again.
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