Rajasthan Royals Retain Key Players, Trade in Jadeja and Curran for IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals (RR) have orchestrated a dramatic squad overhaul for IPL 2026, trading away long-time captain and talisman Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings while welcoming back Ravindra Jadeja in a blockbuster swap that also brought Sam Curran and Donovan Ferreira, signalling a bold leadership reset after a dismal ninth-place finish in 2025. The franchise, inaugural IPL champions in 2008 under Shane Warne, retained 13 players centred on explosive opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and teen prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi—whose 35-ball century in 2025 remains the fastest by an Indian—while releasing seven to streamline overseas slots and domestic depth.

With a healthy INR 16.05 crore purse and 12 slots open (including six overseas), RR enters the December 16 Abu Dhabi mini-auction primed for a marquee captain and death bowler to complement Jadeja’s return “home” after 12 years, where he debuted before a 2010 suspension.

The retained core blends youth and firepower: Jaiswal (INR 18 crore) anchors the top with Suryavanshi (INR 4 crore), while Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel—both at INR 14 crore—provide middle-order muscle after breakout 2025 campaigns, with Parag smashing 578 runs. Shimron Hetmyer (INR 11 crore) adds Caribbean finishing, backed by uncapped Shubham Dubey and Yudhvir Singh Charak.

Pace remains RR’s strength, with Jofra Archer (fully fit post-rehab), Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius ensuring variety across Sawai Mansingh Stadium’s bounce-friendly tracks. Jadeja (INR 14 crore, down from CSK’s 18) and Curran (INR 2.4 crore) inject all-round pedigree, with Ferreira’s wicketkeeping flexibility covering Samson’s void—though captaincy remains undecided, with Jaiswal, Parag, or Jadeja in contention.

Releases targeted underperforming overseas spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana—whose combined 2025 economy exceeded 9—alongside pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi and uncapped backups Akash Madhwal, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Rathore, and Ashok Sharma, recouping INR 15+ crore. The Samson-Jadeja-Curran swap, valued at a net zero purse impact, headlines a trade window frenzy, with Nitish Rana moving to Delhi Capitals for INR 4.2 crore. Head coach Rahul Dravid lauded the “strategic refresh”, noting Jadeja’s emotional homecoming—“RR is where it all began”—as motivation to mentor Suryavanshi and rebuild a title-contending unit after 2025’s batting collapses and bowling leaks.

Also Read: IPL Trade Cleared: Sanju Samson to CSK, Jadeja and Sam Curran to Rajasthan Royals

With INR 16.05 crore, RR eyes a proven leader like KL Rahul or Jonny Bairstow and a wrist-spinner to pair with Yuzvendra Chahal’s potential return, positioning them as dark horses in a 74-match IPL 2026. Jadeja’s homecoming—echoing his 2008 title glory—fuels fan nostalgia, while Suryavanshi’s retention signals a youth-first future. As the Pink Brigade aims to end a 17-year title drought, Dravid’s blueprint—blend experience with fearless talent—promises a Royals resurgence in the desert kingdom.

Also Read: Who Will Lead Rajasthan Royals if Sanju Samson Leaves Ahead of IPL 2026?