5 Players Rajasthan Royals May Release Before IPL 2026 Mini Auction

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) endured one of their toughest seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, finishing ninth in the points table. Once the champions of the inaugural 2008 season, the team struggled to find consistency throughout the campaign. As the IPL 2026 mini auction approaches, the franchise is expected to take bold decisions to rebuild its core.

With several underperforming names on the roster, the RR management could consider a major shake-up to make room for fresh talent and create a more balanced side. Here’s a closer look at five players RR may release before the IPL 2026 mini auction.

5. Tushar Deshpande

Right-arm pacer Tushar Deshpande endured a difficult IPL 2025 campaign with RR. Across 10 matches, he picked wickets intermittently but was far too expensive, conceding runs at a poor average of 37.77. His four-over spells often leaked runs, piling pressure on fellow bowlers.

With RR in desperate need of a reliable death bowler, Deshpande’s inconsistent form may prompt the management to part ways with him before the IPL 2026 mini auction. The Royals might instead look for a bowler capable of delivering under pressure in the death overs; a key element missing from their RR squad changes 2026 plan.

Tushar Deshpande Performance in IPL 2025

4. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Afghanistan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi had a short and unimpressive stint with the Rajasthan Royals. Featuring in just five matches, he failed to pick up a single wicket and struggled to adapt to IPL conditions. Despite his international experience, Farooqi couldn’t make the desired impact.

With plenty of overseas pacers available in the market, RR might choose to release him and target a more proven performer ahead of the IPL 2026 auction strategy RR. His release would also free up funds under the IPL salary cap 2026, allowing the team to strengthen its pace department.

Fazalhaq Farooqi Performance in IPL 2025

3. Shimron Hetmyer

West Indies power-hitter Shimron Hetmyer could be one of the most notable names in the IPL 2026 RR released players list. Retained ahead of the 2025 season for a hefty ₹11 crore, Hetmyer struggled to justify his price tag, managing just 239 runs in 13 innings at an average of 21.72.

Known for his explosive finishing skills, Hetmyer failed to provide the much-needed stability in the lower middle order. His inconsistency in clutch situations and inability to finish games might push RR to search for a more dependable finisher in the RR retained and released players 2026 list.

Shimron Hetmyer Performance in IPL 2025

2. Maheesh Theekshana

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana, brought in to strengthen the Royals’ spin attack, couldn’t meet expectations during IPL 2025. He took just 11 wickets in 11 matches, which was underwhelming for a bowler of his calibre.

Despite previous moderate success with Chennai Super Kings, Theekshana struggled with control and penetration at crucial moments. Considering RR’s need to balance their overseas quota, the team may release him to free up an overseas slot for a more effective spinner or all-rounder ahead of IPL 2026 RR retained and released players.

Maheesh Theekshana Performance in IPL 2025

1. Nitish Rana

Left-handed batter Nitish Rana could also face the axe before the IPL 2026 mini auction. Despite his experience and aggressive batting style, Rana scored just 217 runs in 11 games. While his strike rate was respectable, his inability to play impactful innings cost RR momentum in key matches.

With the team seeking greater middle-order stability, Rajasthan Royals team update 2026 could feature Rana’s name among those released, making way for a more consistent batter in the lineup.

Nitish Rana Performance in IPL 2025

RR Squad Changes 2026: What Fans Can Expect?

Fans can expect the RR next season squad 2026 to combine promising talent with experienced performers. The probable releases; Deshpande, Farooqi Theekshana, Hetmyer, and Rana, highlight RR’s intent to restructure after a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign.

With the IPL 2026 mini auction approaching, Rajasthan Royals appear ready to make tough yet strategic choices to return to playoff contention.

• Strategic releases could improve RR’s bowling and middle-order stability.
• Franchise likely to focus on consistent performers and reliable finishers.
• Young players RR may keep will form the foundation of their long-term strategy.
• IPL 2026 auction strategy RR expected to prioritize balance between experience and form.
• The rebuild reflects the Rajasthan Royals rebuilding phase aimed at reviving their competitive edge.

The Rajasthan Royals team update 2026 signals a possible rebuilding phase. Under skipper Sanju Samson, the franchise may focus on reinforcing their bowling attack, strengthening the middle order, and finding a dependable finisher.

Strategic releases could free up valuable purse space under the IPL salary cap 2026, allowing RR to target impactful players during the IPL player trade window 2026. Fans can expect a balanced blend of youth and experience as part of the RR retained and released players 2026 plan.

FAQs on Rajasthan Royals Released Players 2026

1. Which players might Rajasthan Royals release before the IPL 2026 mini auction?
   RR are likely to release Shimron Hetmyer, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana, Nitish Rana, and Fazalhaq Farooqi after their underwhelming IPL 2025 performances.
2. Who are the underperforming players in the Rajasthan Royals squad for IPL 2026?
   Shimron Hetmyer, Tushar Deshpande, and Maheesh Theekshana struggled to deliver consistent performances, making them likely release candidates.
3. Will Rajasthan Royals make major changes before IPL 2026?
   Yes, after a poor IPL 2025 campaign, RR are expected to make significant changes during the IPL 2026 mini auction to rebuild their team.
4. Which Rajasthan Royals players are expected to be retained for IPL 2026?
   While the released players list isn’t official yet, core members like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal are expected to be retained as part of the RR retention list 2026.
5. How will the IPL 2026 mini auction affect Rajasthan Royals’ squad composition?
   The auction will play a crucial role in reshaping RR’s lineup, allowing the team to fill gaps in their bowling and middle-order departments.
6. What is Rajasthan Royals’ auction strategy ahead of IPL 2026?
   RR may prioritize adding experienced bowlers and reliable middle-order batters to build a more balanced team.
7. Why might Rajasthan Royals release senior players before the 2026 mini auction?
   Some senior players have struggled with form and consistency, prompting RR to make tough calls as part of their Rajasthan Royals rebuilding phase.
8. Are any young players likely to replace senior members in Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026?
   Yes, RR are expected to give more opportunities to emerging Indian talents to create a long-term competitive core.
9. Who could Rajasthan Royals target in the IPL 2026 mini auction?
   The franchise might look for in-form finishers and death bowlers available in the IPL 2026 auction pool.
10. What are the possible changes in Rajasthan Royals’ lineup for IPL 2026?
    RR are likely to overhaul parts of their bowling unit and middle order, focusing on consistency and finishing strength.

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