Bad luck, RR… 2025 didn’t turn out as they hoped. Out of 14 games Rajasthan Royals won only 4 games and ended up at 9th place, so no playoffs for them. Still, there were a few happy moments. At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stunned everyone by smashing the second-fastest century in IPL history. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a lot of runs (559) and looked in top form, while youngsters like Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel also showed some promise. But the bowling was not steady. Even with players like Theekshana, Hasaranga and Jofra Archer, they gave away too many runs in the last overs and lost close matches.
Now before the IPL 2026 mini auction RR have big decisions to take. Skipper Sanju Samson has been asked to leave which may force the team to look for a new captain and change their batting order. Some players will be released to open up the purse and the team will look for a strong middle order batsman, a reliable finisher, a wicket-keeper and a good death over bowler.
Rajasthan Royals 2025 IPL Squad – Auction Prices and Season Performance
| Player | Sold Price (₹ Cr) | IPL 2025 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 18.00 | Batting: 559 runs in 14 innings, SR 159.71, 60×4, 28×6 |
| Sanju Samson | 18.00 | Batting: 285 runs in 9 innings, SR 140.39, 27×4, 13×6 (Captain) |
| Dhruv Jurel | 14.00 | Batting: 333 runs in 13 innings, SR 156.34, 22×4, 22×6 |
| Riyan Parag | 14.00 | Batting: 393 runs in 14 innings, SR 166.53, 27×4, 27×6 – Bowling: 3 wickets in 9 matches |
| Jofra Archer | 12.50 | Batting: 63 runs in 7 innings, SR 126.00, 3×4, 4×6 – Bowling: 11 wickets in 12 matches |
| Shimron Hetmyer | 11.00 | Batting: 239 runs in 13 innings, SR 145.73, 17×4, 11×6 |
| Tushar Deshpande | 6.50 | Batting: 7 runs in 4 innings, SR 87.50 – Bowling: 9 wickets in 10 matches |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 5.25 | Batting: 9 runs in 5 innings, SR 60.00 – Bowling: 11 wickets in 11 matches |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 4.40 | Batting: 10 runs in 4 innings, SR 37.04 – Bowling: 11 wickets in 11 matches |
| Nitish Rana | 4.20 | Batting: 217 runs in 11 innings, SR 161.94, 27×4, 9×6 |
| Sandeep Sharma | 4.00 | Batting: 6 runs in 1 innings, SR 120.00 – Bowling: 9 wickets in 10 matches |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | 2.00 | Batting: 2 runs in 1 innings, SR 100.00 – Bowling: – |
| Kwena Maphaka | 1.50 | Batting: 8 runs in 1 innings, SR 400.00, 2×4 – Bowling: 1 wicket in 2 matches |
| Akash Madhwal | 1.20 | Batting: 4 runs in 1 innings, SR 44.44 – Bowling: 4 wickets in 4 matches |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | 1.10 | Batting: 252 runs in 7 innings, SR 206.56, 18×4, 24×6 |
| Shubham Dubey | 0.80 | Batting: 106 runs in 8 innings, SR 160.61, 6×4, 8×6 |
| Yudhvir Singh | 0.35 | Bowling: 4 wickets in 4 matches |
| Kunal Singh Rathore | 0.30 | Batting: Limited opportunities |
| Ashok Sharma | 0.30 | Bowling: 2 wickets in 3 matches |
| Kumar Kartikeya | 0.30 | Batting: 3 runs in 2 innings – Bowling: 2 wickets in 4 matches |
Rajasthan Royals Retained Players: The Core Stays Strong
Star Players (High Salary):
Yashasvi Jaiswal – ₹18 crores (Opening batsman and future star)
Riyan Parag – ₹14 crores (Middle-order batsman and all-rounder)
Dhruv Jurel – ₹14 crores (Wicket-keeper batsman)
Jofra Archer – ₹12.50 crores (Premium pace bowler)
Shimron Hetmyer – ₹11 crores (Overseas finisher)
Key Supporting Players:
Nitish Rana – ₹4.20 crores (Experienced middle-order batsman)
Sandeep Sharma – ₹4 crores (Death bowling specialist)
Nandre Burger – ₹3.50 crores (Overseas pace option)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – ₹1.10 crores (Opening batsman and future star)
Young Talents:
Kwena Maphaka, Shubham Dubey, Akash Madhwal, and several promising uncapped Indians like Yudhvir Singh and Ashok Sharma.
Rajasthan Royals Released Players
Rajasthan Royals Targeted Players in IPL 2026 Auction
Cameron Green
Cameron Green may be the much-needed boost RR’s middle order is looking for. The Australian all-rounder is capable of batting at number 3 and number 4 and also capable of bowling 4 pace overs. He is bowling tremendous T20 cricket of late and may be perfect fit for RR.
Steve Smith
If Sanju Samson departs, Steve Smith may return to RR. The veteran Aussie is aware of the team and is capable of providing stability in the middle order. He may even come as an option for captaincy.
Matt Henry
RR require an established overseas pace man as back-up for Jofra Archer. Matt Henry is an attractive candidate based on recent showings, particularly for his bowling in the death overs and withstanding conditions in India.
Rehan Ahmed
Rehan Ahmed would be a brilliant inclusion if possible. The English young all-rounder is capable of bowling his leg-spin and batting in the lower order, and RR would get the balance they have lacked.
Venkatesh Iyer (Trade Option)
RR are also reported to have contacted KKR about Venkatesh Iyer. He is a left-handed opening batsman and also a middle-order batsman and is capable of bowling some part-time spins as well.
David Miller
David Miller’s closing abilities might come in handy for RR. If LSG is looking to trade him out or release, his closers’ experience would come in handy.
Manish Pandey
Manish Pandey is experienced and reliable in the middle order. He is budget-friendly and can anchor the innings when RR need stability.
RR IPL 2026 Purse & Auction Budget Breakdown
| Budget Category | Amount | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total Purse for IPL 2026 | ₹125 crores | 100% |
| Money Spent on Retained Players | ₹80 crores | 64% |
| Money Saved from Releases | ₹41.25 crores | 33% |
| Available for Auction | ₹45 crores | 36% |
IPL 2026 Mini Auction: When and Where It Will Happen?
The retention deadline for IPL 2026 is expected to be in late October 2025, and the mini auction is likely to take place in December 2025 or January 2026. The venue will be in India, most likely Mumbai or Delhi, and it will be conducted as a mini auction, not a mega auction.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Auction Type | Mini Auction |
| Expected Date | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Venue | Mumbai or Delhi, India |
| Total Purse per Team | ₹125 crores |
| Maximum Players per Team | 25 |
| Retention Deadline | Late October 2025 (dates not yet officially confirmed) |
| Auction Format | Teams buy players to fill remaining slots after retention and release |
ALSO READ: Rajasthan Royals Team Profile & History in IPL
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