RR Released Player List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
RR likely to release Hetmyer, Hasaranga, and others for IPL 2026 as Jadeja and Curran join after the Samson trade.
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are preparing for one of their biggest squad shake-ups in years after finishing ninth in IPL 2025. While the official list of released players will only be confirmed by November 15, 2025, early reports suggest that the team is ready to move on from several underperformers and high-cost names.
The biggest change involves the headline trade of Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings. In return, RR will receive Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, but the deal is still going through final formalities. This move signals a fresh direction for the franchise ahead of the 2026 season.
RR Released Player List Ahead of IPL 2026 Auction
RR are expected to release Shimron Hetmyer, who struggled to finish games in 2025. His strike rate dropped, and he could not justify his high price tag.
Nitish Rana is another likely exit after an inconsistent year. The team is looking for more reliable middle-order options.
Two major overseas spinners, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, may both be released. Releasing them will help RR open up overseas slots and free salary cap space for new signings.
Pacer Tushar Deshpande, who went over 10 runs an over in 2025, is also expected to be let go. Fazalhaq Farooqi had a similar problem with expensive spells and limited impact.
Youngsters Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma, and Kunal Rathore may also be released as RR look to rebuild their domestic core. Spinner Kumar Kartikeya is another name facing an uncertain future as part of the overhaul.
With Sanju Samson gone, RR are set to build their Indian group around Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel, who both showed strong promise in 2025.
New arrivals Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran will be central to the team’s plans, giving RR a strong pair of all-rounders who can steady the middle order and add depth to the bowling.
Among overseas players, Jofra Archer is expected to continue leading the attack as RR aim to build a stronger, more balanced bowling unit for 2026.
RR will head into the Abu Dhabi mini-auction with a large purse and a clear plan to rebuild their squad with fresh faces and experienced match-winners.
