The 2026 IPL season marks a new chapter for Rajasthan Royals. The franchise traded Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings after 10 seasons together. This bold move reshapes the team’s future.
In return, the Royals gained two proven match-winners. Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran join the squad through trades. Both players bring experience from multiple IPL title wins.
Here is everything you need to know about the Rajasthan Royals heading into IPL 2026. This guide covers the ownership structure, full squad list, important players, and franchise records.
Who Owns the Rajasthan Royals?
Manoj Badale serves as the lead owner of Rajasthan Royals. His company, Emerging Media IPL Ltd., controls approximately 65% of the franchise. Badale has managed the team since 2008, the year it started.
The British-Indian businessman co-founded Blenheim Chalcot, a venture building firm. He also owns cricket franchises in South Africa and the Caribbean.
RedBird Capital Partners, known for sports investments worldwide, holds around 15% ownership. Lachlan Murdoch maintains a smaller stake in the franchise.
Badale recently confirmed the team stays under current ownership. He dismissed sale rumors that have circulated for years.
Full Squad List for IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals finished ninth in IPL 2025 with just four wins. They entered the mini-auction with Rs 16.05 crore and nine open spots.
The team spent Rs 13.40 crore at the auction. Ravi Bishnoi became their biggest purchase at Rs 7.20 crore after beating competition from Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- Batters: Aman Rao, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, and Shimron Hetmyer
- Wicketkeepers: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, and Dhruv Jurel
- All-rounders: Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Riyan Parag, and Sam Curran
- Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen, Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur, Brijesh Sharma, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, and Sandeep Sharma
Players Who Will Shape RR’s IPL 2026 Campaign
These cricketers bring the skills and match awareness needed to win games for Rajasthan Royals this season.
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sam Curran | Experienced all-rounder, contributes with both bat and ball in crucial moments. |
| Ravindra Jadeja | World-class all-rounder, adds stability, leadership, and finishing ability. |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Young leg-spinner with wicket-taking ability and control in the middle overs. |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Promising young batter capable of anchoring innings and accelerating when needed. |
| Dhruv Jurel | A wicketkeeper-batter with agility behind the stumps and power-hitting skills. |
Rajasthan Royals: Historical Statistics (IPL 2008-2025)
The franchise holds a special place in IPL history as the inaugural champions. These numbers tell the story of their journey over 16 seasons.
1. Season-by-Season Performance
| IPL Edition | Standings | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9th | League stage |
| 2024 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2023 | 5th | League stage |
| 2022 | 2nd | Runners-up |
| 2021 | 7th | League stage |
| 2020 | 8th | League stage |
| 2019 | 7th | League stage |
| 2018 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2015 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2014 | 5th | League stage |
| 2013 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2012 | 7th | League stage |
| 2011 | 6th | League stage |
| 2010 | 7th | League stage |
| 2009 | 6th | League stage |
| 2008 | 1st | Winner |
2. Leading Run Scorers in RR History
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 2013-2025 | 155 | 4219 |
| Ajinkya Rahane | 2011-2019 | 106 | 3098 |
| Jos Buttler | 2018-2024 | 83 | 3055 |
| Shane Watson | 2008-2015 | 84 | 2474 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 2020-2025 | 67 | 2166 |
3. Top Wicket Takers for RR
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Watson | 2008-2015 | 84 | 67 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 2022-2024 | 46 | 66 |
| Siddharth Trivedi | 2008-2013 | 76 | 65 |
| Shane Warne | 2008-2011 | 56 | 58 |
| Jofra Archer | 2018-2025 | 47 | 57 |
4. Biggest Individual Innings for RR
| Player | Score | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | 124 | SRH | 02 May 2021 | Delhi |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 124 | MI | 30 April 2023 | Mumbai |
| Sanju Samson | 119 | PBKS | 12 April 2021 | Mumbai |
| Jos Buttler | 116 | DC | 22 April 2022 | Mumbai |
| Ben Stokes | 107* | MI | 25 October 2020 | Abu Dhabi |
5. Outstanding Bowling Performances for RR
| Player | BBI | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sohail Tanvir | 6/14 | CSK | 04 May 2008 | Jaipur |
| James Faulkner | 5/16 | SRH | 17 May 2013 | Hyderabad |
| Sandeep Sharma | 5/18 | MI | 22 April 2024 | Jaipur |
| James Faulkner | 5/20 | SRH | 27 April 2013 | Jaipur |
| Yuzi Chahal | 5/40 | KKR | 18 April 2022 | Mumbai |
6. Highest Team Scores
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 242/6 | SRH | 23 March 2025 | Hyderabad |
| 226/6 | KXIP | 27 September 2020 | Sharjah |
| 224/8 | KKR | 16 April 2024 | Kolkata |
| 223/5 | CSK | 03 April 2010 | Chennai |
| 222/2 | DC | 22 April 2022 | Mumbai |
7. Lowest Team Scores
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | RCB | 18 April 2009 | Cape Town |
| 59 | RCB | 14 May 2023 | Jaipur |
| 81 | KKR | 17 April 2011 | Kolkata |
| 85 | KKR | 07 October 2021 | Sharjah |
| 90/9 | MI | 05 October 2021 | Sharjah |
The Royals’ Story Across IPL Seasons
Rajasthan Royals wrote cricket history in 2008. They entered the first IPL season without big-name stars. Shane Warne captained a team of domestic players and lesser-known internationals.
Nobody expected them to win. Yet they defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final. That victory showed that team spirit and smart cricket could beat individual brilliance.
Over the years, RR experienced ups and downs. While they struggled in some seasons, the team consistently delivered exciting cricket. They also developed young talent who became stars in Indian cricket.
Recently, the Rajasthan Royals focused on rebuilding and strengthening their squad. Their journey shows resilience, careful planning, and a commitment to competitive, entertaining cricket in the IPL.
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