The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are looking at making significant changes ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. After a disappointing 2025 season, where they finished ninth and never seriously contended for a playoff spot, the Royals are in need of a squad overhaul. Speculation around player trades has also surrounded the team, with captain Sanju Samson reportedly expressing a desire to leave the franchise.
Franchises such as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are said to be interested in the wicketkeeper-batter. Regardless of Samson’s future, RR will need to free up resources to bolster their squad at the auction. Given their costly retentions, releasing a few players appears unavoidable.
RR’s squad for IPL 2025 (including replacements): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Kunal Singh Rathore, Riyan Parag, Nitish Rana, Yudhvir Singh, Kumar Kartikeya, Jofra Archer, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma, Nandre Burger, Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
Here are three RR players who should be released before the IPL 2026 auction:
#1 Maheesh Theekshana
Bought for ₹4.4 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, Maheesh Theekshana had a disappointing season for the Royals. Across 11 matches, he managed only 11 wickets, conceding runs at an economy of 9.76. Along with fellow Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga, he struggled to deliver as the team’s main spin option.
Theekshana’s performance doesn’t justify his price tag. While he has the ability to bowl in different phases, he has struggled to achieve consistent success in the IPL. His lack of sufficient turn and limited variation in pace make it difficult for him to trouble top-level batters.
#2 Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi may not be a big financial burden for the Royals, but the team could still consider releasing him. The Afghan pacer appeared in five matches during IPL 2025 without taking a wicket, conceding runs at an economy rate of 12.35.
Rajasthan already have two promising overseas left-arm pacers in Nandre Burger and Kwena Maphaka. With Maphaka showing significant potential, the franchise is likely to prioritize his development over giving Farooqi more opportunities.
#3 Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande, another fast bowler who struggled in IPL 2025, took just nine wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 10.63. Known more for his wicket-taking ability than economy, he failed to make an impact for the Royals in crucial phases.
Earning ₹6.5 crore, Deshpande hasn’t justified his price, lacking a specific skill set that makes him valuable at any stage of the innings, and he is not a young prospect either. While the Royals could consider buying him back, it seems more likely that they will release him.
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