by Rajasthan Royals are entering IPL 2026 with their biggest roster shake-up in franchise history.
After finishing 9th in IPL 2025, RR has completed the most significant trade ever seen in the tournament.
The historic three-player swap is now official. Sanju Samson moves to Chennai Super Kings, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran join Rajasthan Royals.
Both franchises have approved this massive deal. RR now faces a complete rebuild with new leadership, fresh balance, and renewed ambitions for IPL 2026.
Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
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Also Chck: Punjab Kings IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
RR’s Disastrous 2025 Season & Leadership Change
Rajasthan Royals endured one of their worst IPL campaigns in 2025. They won just 4 matches out of 14, finishing second from bottom.
Both batting and bowling collapsed repeatedly throughout the season. The team lacked consistency, direction, and winning momentum.
Head coach Rahul Dravid departed after the disappointing campaign. RR responded by bringing back Kumar Sangakkara to lead their cricket operations.
New Captain Needed
With Sanju Samson now officially gone to CSK, RR must appoint a new captain for IPL 2026. This decision will shape the franchise’s future direction.
Two names have emerged as leading contenders from internal discussions. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel are both under serious consideration.
Jaiswal brings aggressive intent and fearless leadership qualities. Jurel offers maturity, wicketkeeping skills, and tactical awareness beyond his years.
The captaincy announcement will likely come after the retention deadline. RR management wants to finalize the squad first before making this crucial call.
RR IPL 2026 Retained Players – Updated After Historic Trade
Rajasthan Royals’ retained core has changed dramatically following the Samson-Jadeja-Curran swap. The franchise now has a completely different balance and leadership structure.
Complete Retained Squad
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters & Wicketkeepers | Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Kunal Rathore |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Yudhvir Singh Charak |
| Bowlers | Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nandre Burger, Ashok Sharma |
Key Retention Highlights
- Jadeja + Curran arrival – RR now has one of the strongest all-round cores in the entire league
- Jaiswal & Jurel – Both young stars are top candidates for the captaincy role
- Jofra Archer’s return – If fully fit, his presence could transform RR’s pace attack completely
- Young Indian core – Jaiswal, Jurel, and Parag form the backbone of RR’s plans
Important Update: Latest Cricbuzz reports suggest RR may release Wanindu Hasaranga (₹5.25 crore) and Maheesh Theekshana (₹4.40 crore). This move would free overseas slots and add significant auction funds.
However, official confirmation is still awaited. Both spinners remain listed in the current squad until RR makes a final decision.
Also Check: Mumbai Indians IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
RR IPL 2026 Released Players – Official List
Rajasthan Royals released several players who were inconsistent, expensive, or didn’t fit their new strategic direction for IPL 2026.
Complete Released Players Table
| Player | Role | Reason for Exit |
|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | WK-Batter | Traded to CSK; historic 3-player swap |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batter | Poor finishing efficiency in 2025 |
| Tushar Deshpande | Bowler | High economy rate; inconsistent death bowling |
| Nitish Rana | Batter | Official trade to Delhi Capitals (₹4.2 Cr) |
| Kwena Maphaka | Bowler | Limited impact; minimal opportunities |
Understanding the Releases
Sanju Samson’s departure marks the end of an era for the Rajasthan Royals. He captained the side and was their primary wicketkeeper-batsman for years.
However, the trade brings two world-class all-rounders in return. RR management believes Jadeja and Curran provide better overall squad balance.
Shimron Hetmyer’s release was expected after his poor finishing in 2025. He failed to close games when RR needed him most.
Tushar Deshpande’s high economy rate in death overs cost RR matches. The franchise wants more reliable bowling options for pressure situations.
Nitish Rana’s trade to the Delhi Capitals for ₹4.2 crore brings additional auction funds. He didn’t fit RR’s plans for their young batting core.
Read: IPL 2026 Trade Window – Rules, Transfers & Rumours
RR’s Retention Strategy & Vision for IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals have clear priorities heading into the mini-auction. Their strategy focuses on building long-term success around young Indian talent.
Key Strategic Goals
- Build around a young Indian core – Jaiswal, Jurel, and Parag form the foundation
- Strengthen all-round depth – Jadeja + Curran provide elite balance with bat and ball
- Stabilize middle order – Samson’s exit creates a need for an experienced batter at the auction
- Add death-bowling specialist – Target one quality pacer for overs 17-20
- Leadership reset – New captain brings fresh energy and direction
- Possible overseas clear-out – If Hasaranga/Theekshana leave, it creates more auction flexibility
What RR Will Target at Auction?
RR needs to fill specific gaps identified during their 2025 struggles. The franchise has a significant purse available after releases.
Top priorities include an experienced top-order batsman who can anchor innings. Samson’s absence leaves a major hole in the batting lineup.
A powerful finisher for the lower middle order is essential. RR lacked someone to close tight matches last season.
One specialist death bowler remains crucial. Despite having Archer and Burger, RR wants insurance for the final overs.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List – Team-Wise Updates
RR Full Squad Outlook for IPL 2026 (Current Status)
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batsmen / WKs | Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Kunal Rathore |
| All-Rounders | Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Yudhvir Singh Charak |
| Bowlers | Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nandre Burger, Ashok Sharma |
Total Retained: 14 Players (subject to Hasaranga/Theekshana decision) Indian Players: 10 Overseas Players: 4 (potentially reducing to 2) Key Strengths: All-round depth, young batting core, quality pace attack
This squad has excellent bowling depth with Archer, Farooqi, and Burger forming a potent pace trio. Spin options remain strong even if the Sri Lankan duo departs.
Did You Know? Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 Retained & Released Players List
Key Takeaways from RR’s Rebuild
- Biggest rebuild in years – RR completely transformed their squad structure
- New leadership era begins – Samson’s departure ends his captaincy reign
- Elite all-round balance – Jadeja + Curran give RR top-class options with bat and ball
- Captaincy race intensifies – Jaiswal vs Jurel decision will define RR’s direction
- Strong bowling attack – Archer, Burger, Farooqi, and Madhwal form a quality pace unit
- Auction targets clear – Top-order batter, finisher, and death-overs specialist needed
- Youth-focused approach – RR backing young Indian talent for long-term success
What Experts Are Saying?
Cricket analysts believe RR made a bold but necessary decision with the Samson trade. Losing their captain hurts emotionally, but gaining two proven match-winners makes sense strategically.
The all-round strength now rivals any team in the league. Jadeja and Curran both deliver consistently in pressure situations.
However, RR’s success depends entirely on smart auction execution. They must find the right top-order batsman and finisher to complete their squad.
The captaincy choice between Jaiswal and Jurel will be fascinating. Both have different leadership styles that could shape team culture differently.
Final Thoughts:
Rajasthan Royals have entered a completely new era after completing the biggest trade in IPL history.
The Samson-Jadeja-Curran swap fundamentally changed their squad composition and future direction.
Losing Sanju Samson ends a significant chapter in franchise history. He was their leader, primary wicketkeeper, and most consistent batsman for multiple seasons.
However, gaining Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran provides exceptional value. These two world-class all-rounders instantly improve RR’s balance across all departments.
Jadeja brings left-arm spin, brilliant fielding, and explosive lower-order hitting. Curran offers swing bowling, death-overs skills, and aggressive batting anywhere in the lineup.
The leadership transition to either Yashasvi Jaiswal or Dhruv Jurel marks a shift toward youth. RR clearly wants to build a team that can compete for years, not just one season.
Their bowling attack looks genuinely threatening if Jofra Archer stays fit. Combined with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Nandre Burger, RR has serious pace firepower.
The mini-auction will determine if this rebuild succeeds. RR needs an experienced top-order anchor, a reliable finisher, and one more death-bowling specialist.
If they execute their auction plan well, the Rajasthan Royals could surprise everyone in IPL 2026.
The pieces are falling into place for a competitive, balanced squad ready to challenge for the title.
