IPL 2026: 3 players Rajasthan Royals should target in auction

RR released a total of seven players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.

With a purse of INR 16.05 crore, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have one overseas and eight Indian slots available for the IPL 2026 Auction. The inaugural IPL champions released seven players, out of which three were overseas.

Regarding weaknesses, the release of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Kumar Kartikeya has left the Royals with only Ravindra Jadeja as their primary spin option. The former Chennai Super Kings star, who joined Rajasthan via trade, can prove to be an experienced asset for the first-edition champions.

While their batting department looks strong, RR might consider adding depth to the line-up by buying a finisher or a middle-order batter.

However, with some serious loopholes in bowling, they are likely to target spinners as well as an Indian or overseas all-rounder in the IPL 2026 Auction. Here are the top three players RR should target to buy in the IPL 2026 auction.

3. Steve Smith

To replace Sanju Samson and fill the gaps created by Nitish Rana’s departure, RR might consider signing Steve Smith.

The Australian veteran can also take up the captaincy for the inaugural IPL champions, adding experience to the side that was led by Riyan Parag last season during Samson’s absence due to injury.

However, Yashasvi Jaiswal is also a potential candidate to take the captain’s armband for the Royals, who have been keen on winning the title for the second time for more than a decade. Smith, who has played for RR in four different seasons, is familiar with the side and can be named skipper because Jaiswal and Parag are relatively younger.

Talking about the Australian batter’s stats, he has played 93 innings (out of 103 matches), scoring 2485 runs, bagging one century and 11 half-centuries. Nevertheless, the 36-year-old is returning to the league for the first time since 2021. He last played in the tournament for the Delhi Capitals.

2. Auqib Nabi

While RR already have the likes of Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger and Tushar Deshpande, they might look forward to signing an Indian all-rounder who can pick up wickets with the new ball and also bat as per the required situation.

As a result, Auqib Nabi can turn out to be Rajasthan’s best choice. Hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, Auqib Nabi has created a name for himself with his performance in domestic cricket. Additionally, he is currently seen as one of the top uncapped Indian players ahead of the auction.

The likes of the Delhi Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders are also expected to bid for the 29-year-old; thus, RR might have to compete for securing Nabi’s services.

1. Ravi Bishnoi

Rajasthan Royals can potentially go all-in for Ravi Bishnoi. The 25-year-old made his debut in the league in 2020, when Punjab Kings picked him for INR 2 crore. Later, he joined the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2022 season, where he took 13 wickets in 14 matches.

Bishnoi has also proved himself as a prolific spin bowler with his flight, drift and googlies. In 77 matches in the tournament, the legbreak googly bowler has picked up 72 wickets.

If the Royals fall short of signing Bishnoi due to the lack of funds, they are expected to get either Rahul Chahar or Karn Sharma as Ravindra Jadeja’s spin partner.

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