Major Changes in Rajasthan Royals' Squad
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have made significant changes to their team as they prepare for the IPL 2026 season. Following a disappointing ninth-place finish in IPL 2025, the franchise has shuffled their roster in hopes of revitalizing their performance.
Coaching Adjustments
In a bid to regain their former glory, RR has reinstated Kumar Sangakkara as the head coach after Rahul Dravid's short tenure. This coaching change marks a critical initiative to instill a winning mindset in the team.
Retention and Release Overview
On the retention deadline day, RR has confirmed several key players will remain on the roster while others are set to depart. Notably, captain Sanju Samson has been released along with key players Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana due to performance issues.
Retained Stars
Among those retained, Shimron Hetmyer stands out for INR 11 crore. The franchise also holds onto promising talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag, demonstrating their commitment to developing young Indian talent.
| Player Name | Price (INR) |
|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 18 crore |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 11 crore |
| Dhruv Jurel | 14 crore |
| Riyan Parag | 14 crore |
| Jofra Archer | 12.50 crore |
New Additions to the Roster
To bolster the team, RR has acquired all-rounders Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja, further strengthening their position. However, they remain cautious about Archer's ongoing injury concerns while they retain him for his immense potential.
Financial Strategy and Purse Remaining
RR’s financial decisions reflect a strategy aimed at creating a balanced team while managing their purse effectively. They have a remaining budget of INR 16.05 crore and have 9 slots open for players, including 1 overseas slot.
With a blend of youth and experienced players, RR aims to turn the tides in the upcoming season. Anxious fans are eagerly watching how these changes will shape their performance.