The Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2025 campaign was a major disappointment, finishing 9th with just four wins despite having proven match-winners in their lineup. Fans expected more, but inconsistency and a lack of balance in both batting and bowling led to a forgettable season.
With IPL 2026 retentions now underway, RR have already made some of the biggest moves of the season. Sanju Samson has joined CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Donovan Ferreira have arrived at RR through major trade deals.
The franchise is now focused on strengthening its Indian batting core and foreign bowling unit ahead of the mini-auction. These strategic moves aim to build a balanced squad capable of competing at the top in IPL 2026.
Here’s a complete look at Rajasthan Royals’ confirmed retentions, releases, trades, and squad updates as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Rajasthan Royals – Latest Retention Updates
Rajasthan Royals have been at the centre of the biggest IPL 2026 retention drama, and as retentions continue today, the franchise has already confirmed several major moves.
Confirmed Trade-In & Trade-Outs
The franchise has been involved in several high-profile deals, including one of the biggest player swaps in IPL history.
- Ravindra Jadeja has officially joined RR, returning to the franchise after 15 years. His revised salary for IPL 2026 is ₹14 crore.
- Sam Curran also joins RR, traded in from CSK at ₹2.4 crore to strengthen their all-round options.
- Donovan Ferreira has returned to RR, arriving from Delhi Capitals with a contract worth ₹1 crore.
- Nitish Rana has been traded out, with the left-hander joining Delhi Capitals.
- Sanju Samson’s long tenure with RR has officially ended, as the star wicketkeeper-batter moves to CSK.
Full List of Retained Players
After trades, RR retained a total of 16 players (9 Indian, 7 Overseas), forming a strong core of experienced and young talent.
- Core Indian: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yudhvir Singh Charak
- Traded-In: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Donovan Ferreira
- Core Overseas: Shimron Hetmyer, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Full List of Released Players
RR parted ways with several players to free up purse and slots, including notable overseas names:
Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Rathore, Sanju Samson (Traded to CSK), Nitish Rana (Traded to DC)
Official Statements & Key Updates
- Manoj Badale (RR Owner): Described Jadeja’s return as “deeply special,” emphasizing the significance of welcoming back a player from RR’s foundation years.
- Kumar Sangakkara (Director of Cricket / Head Coach): Shared an emotional farewell for Sanju Samson, praising his leadership, composure, and influence on RR’s culture.
- Coaching Update: Sangakkara has officially returned as Head Coach for IPL 2026.
Squad Situation & Purse Update
- Slots Remaining: The team now has 9 slots to fill, including at least 1 Overseas slot (they can buy up to 3 more Overseas players).
- Total Retained Players (Including Trades): 16 players (9 Indian, 7 Overseas)
- Auction Purse: After all the trades and official retentions, RR is left with a remaining purse of ₹16.05 crore for the mini-auction.
What’s Still Pending
- A few internal decisions regarding fringe players are yet to be confirmed as RR continue fine-tuning their squad ahead of the December 16 mini auction.
Players Retained by RR for IPL 2026
Here is a list of all players RR may target to retain, as they consistently perform for this franchise.
| Player Name | Role | IPL Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batter | First choice opener for RR, 559 runs with an average of 43. |
| Riyan Parag | All-Rounder | 393 runs in 14 matches, X factor for RR |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batter | 293 runs in 13 outings, can score runs quickly |
| Dhruv Jurel | WK-Batter | 333 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 156.33 |
| Jofra Archer | Fast Bowler | 59 IPL wickets, capable of demolishing any batting order with his pace |
| Nandre Burger | Fast Bowler | 7 wickets, left-arm option |
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Batter)
Yashasvi Jaiswal is the premier opener for RR and has emerged as a consistent run machine, registering 559 runs at an average of 43 in IPL 2025. His aggressive approach in the power play provides a strong start to RR’s innings.
His age and recent performances suggest tremendous growth potential, making him an asset to the franchise’s long-term planning. RR will retain him for his ability to win matches up front, consistent returns, and Indian core build strategy.
2. Riyan Parag (All-rounder)
After investing in Riyan Parag for many years without him scoring runs and taking wickets, now he serves as the x-factor in RR’s middle order and all-rounder options. He also led the team in the absence of Sanju Samson last season.
With 393 runs in 14 matches and the ability to finish games, Parag provides stability in the middle order. He contributes useful part-time spin and outstanding fielding, making him one of the most versatile young Indian talents. RR aims to retain him because of his game-changing ability, youth, and role flexibility, which align with their ethos of supporting emerging all-rounders.
3. Shimron Hetymer (Batter)
Shimron joined RR in 2022; since then, he has become their finisher. He has scored 965 at a strike rate of 152.20.
Since 2022, he has remained unbeaten 19 times, which makes him a more reliable finisher. RR management may retain him to finish matches for another edition after a horrible 2025 edition.
4. Dhruv Jurel (WK-Batter)
Dhruv Jurel’s 333 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of 156.33 highlight his practical, aggressive approach as a wicketkeeper-batter. His outstanding glove work and impressive finishing ability have made him a key middle-order player.
RR values his composure under pressure and his energy behind the stumps, both of which are crucial for batting depth and nurturing Indian talent. If Sanju Samson won’t continue playing with RR, he may be the contender to be the vice-captain of the team.
5. Maheesh Theekshana (Bowler)
Maheesh Theekshana picked up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.76, operating as a key spinner in RR’s bowling arsenal. His proven skills with the ball in the powerplay and middle overs, supported by international T20 experience.
Under MS Dhoni in CSK, he has also become capable of bowling economical overs in the power play. RR will retain him to maintain balance in their spin department and to bolster their versatility against different batting line-ups.
6. Nandre Burger (Fast Bowler)
Nandre Burger’s left-arm pace option with 7 wickets offers RR significant variation and balance in their seam attack.
Burger’s ability to swing and bowl in different phases adds depth to RR’s rotation plans. As overseas slots become more competitive, RR sees value in his skills to complement other fast bowlers and manage workloads through a busy tournament schedule.
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Conclusion: Rajasthan Royals’ Road Ahead in IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals are preparing for a fresh start in IPL 2026 after a disappointing 2025 season. With Sanju Samson moving to CSK, the team faces important decisions around leadership and strategy.
The addition of experienced players like Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Donovan Ferreira gives RR a stronger and more versatile squad. However, the team still needs a solid Indian batting core and reliable bowling options to balance the lineup.
The upcoming mini-auction will be crucial to fill remaining slots and strengthen weak areas. If young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel combine well with the new stars, RR can aim for a much stronger and more competitive season.
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