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Rajasthan Royals (RR) headed into the IPL 2026 Retentions with a strategy focused on consolidating their core group to build on their competitive performances from the previous season, while preparing to enhance their squad depth through the upcoming auction.
Rajasthan Royals retain 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi amongst the key players
RR retained 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who continues to play record-breaking knock since his IPL debut. Other vital retentions include young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag, as well as experienced campaigners such as Jofra Archer (overseas) and the Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who recently joined RR in a major trade deal. RR’s retention of these players demonstrates their commitment to a balanced combination of youth and experience.
The Royals released several players to free up salary cap space and open slots for the auction. This includes letting go of certain overseas stars and domestic players who had limited impact or inconsistent performance in recent seasons. These moves provide RR with flexibility to bid aggressively for new talents and specialists in the auction to strengthen weak phases such as death bowling and middle-order batting.
RR’s strategy for IPL 2026 auction
With a healthy purse balance, RR is well-positioned for one of the busiest IPL auctions. Their goal is to fill role-specific gaps and add options, particularly in pace bowling and all-round skills, to complement their strong core. They aim to maintain their competitive edge while building a versatile squad capable of adapting to a variety of conditions.
RR’s retention strategy balances steady leadership with youthful exuberance, indicating a team ready to challenge for the title. The retention of Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel and other key players ensures continuity, while released players’ spaces will allow fresh energy and new skillsets.
Also READ: IPL 2026 – Ravindra Jadeja opens up after joining Rajasthan Royals from Chennai Super Kings
Rajasthan Royals: Retention, Release, Trade and Purse
Players released: Kunal Singh Rathore, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Kumar Kartikeya, Sanju Samson (traded to Chennai Super Kings), Nitish Rana (traded to Delhi Capitals)
Players retained: Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh, Ravindra Jadeja (traded in from CSK), Sam Curran (traded in from CSK)
Purse remaining: INR 16.05 cr
Slots remaining: 9 (1 overseas)
