Rajasthan Royals retained and released players list ahead of IPL 2026 auction

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) completed IPL 2025 in ninth place and made significant adjustments before the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The Royals' most monumental change was trading their long-term skipper Sanju Samson to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In return, RR acquired two significant all-rounders, Jadeja and Sam Curran. Jadeja also agreed to a pay cut, from ₹18 crore to ₹14 crore.

With Samson leaving, RR now need to choose a new captain for IPL 2026. Along with trades, RR also released the Sri Lankan spin pair of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana and Afghan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi. These releases show that RR are planning for a fresh start after a poor season. RR kept some of their most important young players. 

They retained star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became famous in IPL 2025 for scoring the fastest century by an Indian in only 35 balls. They also kept Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel for ₹14 crore each, along with Shimron Hetmyer at ₹11 crore. Four uncapped players, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya and Kunal Rathore were released.

RR Retentions, Releases and Trades for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals will enter the IPL 2026 auction with a purse of ₹16.05 crore. This gives them the freedom to make one or two big-money signings at the mini-auction. The team has kept a strong core of batters, all-rounders and bowlers, while also adding major experience through Jadeja and Curran.

RR have also been active in the trade market, adding Donovan Ferreira from Delhi Capitals. They traded out Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana as part of their squad reshuffle. With fresh talent, star all-rounders and a good auction purse, RR will look to rebuild strongly for the 2026 season.

See Also: Lucknow Super Giants retained and released players list ahead of IPL 2026 auction

RR Retained Players for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals have retained Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger and Lhuan-dre Pretorius for IPL 2026.

RR Released Players for IPL 2026

The released players include Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Rathore and Ashok Sharma.

RR Traded Players for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals have traded in Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings and Donovan Ferreira from Delhi Capitals. They have traded out Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana.

RR Remaining Purse for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals will enter the IPL 2026 mini-auction with a purse of ₹16.05 crore.