RR's IPL Auction 2026 Strategy: Full squad, major gaps, top targets and remaining purse

Even before the IPL 2026 auction, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have already made headlines with the high-profile trade of long-time captain Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The move signals a bold strategic shift as RR look to address their recurring issues with a fragile lower order and a shortage of genuine all-rounders.

Alongside Jadeja, the addition of Sam Curran bolsters both batting and bowling depth, while Donovan Ferreira, acquired from Delhi Capitals, strengthens finishing options and adds wicket-keeping versatility. Despite these marquee trades, several gaps remain that the Royals will aim to fill at the auction on 16 December in Abu Dhabi.

RR have nine slots to fill and amongst those, only one can be overseas.

RR’s retained players: Ravindra Jadeja (traded in from CSK), Sam Curran (traded in from CSK), Donovan Ferreira (traded in from DC), Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh Charak

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IPL 2026 Auction: RR squad analysis and major gaps

Rajasthan Royals appear to have a balanced yet evolving core. Jadeja and Curran strengthen both batting and bowling, while Donovan Ferreira, Dhruv Jurel, and Shimron Hetmyer provide firepower in the middle and lower order. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains the key top-order anchor, supported by domestic talents like Riyan Parag and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. In the pace department, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, and Sandeep Sharma offer variety and experience.

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The primary gap for RR is a wrist-spinner to support Jadeja. With a limited budget ruling out top Indian options like Ravi Bishnoi, the franchise may have to explore either an overseas wrist-spinner or an uncapped domestic talent at the auction. They also need some Indian back-up batting options to add a bit of depth in their squad.

RR’s remaining purse: Rs 16.05 crore

IPL 2026 Auction: RR’s top targets

Adam Zampa: With only one overseas slot left, Adam Zampa fits the Rajasthan Royals’ most pressing requirement perfectly. A proven wrist-spinner with extensive T20 experience, Zampa would complement Jadeja by attacking in the middle overs while Jadeja controls an end. His ability to bowl defensively on flatter pitches also adds tactical flexibility. Zampa can be budget-friendly as well.

Sarfaraz Khan: Sarfaraz Khan offers a low-risk, high-upside Indian batting option for the middle order. Comfortable against spin and capable of batting through pressure situations, he provides insurance if RR’s younger Indian batters struggle for consistency. His availability at a reasonable price makes him an attractive depth signing.

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Ravi Bishnoi/Rahul Chahar: Both are Indian wrist-spin options. However, other franchises are expected to bid heavily for them, especially for Ravi Bishnoi. Nevertheless, if RR can even secure to get Rahul Chahar, their think-tank will be satisfied. Though ideally, they need an attacking leg-spinner, not a defensive one.

THE SPEED OF 23-YEAR-OLD ASHOK SHARMA 🤯

- IPL 2022 with KKR for 55 Lakhs.
- IPL 2025 with RR for 30 Lakhs.
- Leading wicket taker in SMAT 2025.

He will part of the IPL Mini-Auction tomorrow. ⭐ pic.twitter.com/p112CLImzA

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 15, 2025

Ashok Sharma: The young uncapped pacer was released by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the auction, but the franchise would be keen to bring him back. Sharma impressed in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, picking up 19 wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.62, and has shown the potential to be a valuable domestic pace option going forward.

Barring these names, they will have a few uncapped players on their radar, especially local boy Kartik Sharma.

Rajasthan Royals head into the IPL 2026 Auction with clear priorities rather than sweeping ambitions. If they use their limited purse to address the spin gap smartly, they can give their restructured core the balance it needs to compete consistently.