Rajasthan Royals are approaching the IPL 2026 season with major changes following a big pre-season shake-up. Long-time captain Sanju Samson has joined Chennai Super Kings, ending his ten-year partnership with the Royals.
In response, RR have strengthened their team by acquiring experienced all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. These players bring leadership, versatility, and balance as the new season begins.
As Rajasthan Royals rebuild their team, this article examines their IPL 2026 prospects. It includes details about the squad, key players, and the records they hope to improve this season.
Rajasthan Royals – Owners
Rajasthan Royals are mainly owned by Manoj Badale’s Emerging Media IPL Ltd., which controls about 65% of the franchise. Badale, a British-Indian businessman and co-founder of Blenheim Chalcot, has led the team since it started in 2008. He has been essential in shaping its direction.
In addition to Badale’s majority share, RedBird Capital Partners owns around 15%. They bring experience in global sports investment. Media executive Lachlan Murdoch holds a smaller share. This mix of ownership helps Rajasthan Royals grow both competitively and commercially in the IPL.
Rajasthan Royals Squad For IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals head into IPL 2026 with a new squad after significant changes before the season. Sanju Samson is gone, and experienced all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have joined.
The team mixes young talent with seasoned players. They aim to keep a good balance, improve important areas, and deliver steady performances throughout the tournament.
Batters: Aman Rao, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, and Shimon Hetmyer
Wicket Keepers: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, and Dhruv Jurel
All-rounders: Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Riyan Parag, and Sam Curran
Bowlers: Ravi Bishnoi, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen, Sushant Mishra, Yash Raj Punja, Vignesh Puthur, Brijesh Sharma, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma
Key Players For RR Ahead of IPL 2026
The following players are likely to play a crucial role for Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming IPL 2026 season, combining experience, skill, and the ability to influence matches at key moments.
| Player | Reason |
|---|---|
| Sam Curran | Experienced all-rounder, contributes with both bat and ball in crucial moments. |
| Ravindra Jadeja | World-class all-rounder, adds stability, leadership, and finishing ability. |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Young leg-spinner with wicket-taking ability and control in the middle overs. |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Promising young batter capable of anchoring innings and accelerating when needed. |
| Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-batter with agility behind the stumps and power hitting skills. |
Rajasthan Royals – Records (IPL 2008-2026)
Rajasthan Royals is one of the biggest IPL franchises, starting in 2008. They have experienced both successes and challenges. Even with a few title wins, the team has showcased impressive individual performances and significant team accomplishments.
The records below highlight RR’s important milestones, standout players, and memorable moments in IPL history.
1. IPL Standings Every Year
| IPL Edition | Standings | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9th | League stage |
| 2024 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2023 | 5th | League stage |
| 2022 | 2nd | Runners-up |
| 2021 | 7th | League stage |
| 2020 | 8th | League stage |
| 2019 | 7th | League stage |
| 2018 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2015 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2014 | 5th | League stage |
| 2013 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2012 | 7th | League stage |
| 2011 | 6th | League stage |
| 2010 | 7th | League stage |
| 2009 | 6th | League stage |
| 2008 | 1st | Winner |
2. Most Runs For RR
| Player | Span | Matches | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | 2013-2025 | 155 | 4219 |
| Anjinkya Rahane | 2011-2019 | 106 | 3098 |
| Jos Buttler | 2018-2024 | 83 | 3055 |
| Shane Watson | 2008-2015 | 84 | 2474 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 2020-2025 | 67 | 2166 |
3. Most Wickets For RR
| Player | Span | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Watson | 2008-2015 | 84 | 67 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 2022-2024 | 46 | 66 |
| Siddharth Trivedi | 2008-2013 | 76 | 65 |
| Shane Warne | 2008-2011 | 56 | 58 |
| Jofra Archer | 2018-2025 | 47 | 57 |
4. Highest Individual Score For RR
| Player | Score | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | 124 | SRH | 02 May 2021 | Delhi |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 124 | MI | 30 April 2023 | Mumbai |
| Sanju Samson | 119 | PBKS | 12 April 2021 | Mumbai |
| Jos Buttler | 116 | DC | 22 April 2022 | Mumbai |
| Ben Stokes | 107* | MI | 25 October 2020 | Abu Dhabi |
5. Best Bowling Figures For RR
| Player | BBI | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sohail Tanvir | 6/14 | CSK | 04 May 2008 | Jaipur |
| James Faulkner | 5/16 | SRH | 17 May 2013 | Hyderabad |
| Sandeep Sharma | 5/18 | MI | 22 April 2024 | Jaipur |
| James Faulkner | 5/20 | SRH | 27 April 2013 | Jaipur |
| Yuzi Chahal | 5/40 | KKR | 18 April 2022 | Mumbai |
6. Highest Totals
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 242/6 | SRH | 23 March 2025 | Hyderabad |
| 226/6 | KXIP | 27 September 2020 | Sharjah |
| 224/8 | KKR | 16 April 2024 | Kolkata |
| 223/5 | CSK | 03 April 2010 | Chennai |
| 222/2 | DC | 22 April 2022 | Mumbai |
7. Lowest Totals
| Total | Opposition | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | RCB | 18 April 2009 | Cape Town |
| 59 | RCB | 14 May 2023 | Jaipur |
| 81 | KKR | 17 April 2011 | Kolkata |
| 85 | KKR | 07 October 2021 | Sharjah |
| 90/9 | MI | 05 October 2021 | Sharjah |
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Rajasthan Royals’ IPL Journey Through The Years
Rajasthan Royals made their IPL debut in 2008 as the league’s underdog team. They surprised everyone by winning the first season, showing that smart strategies and team unity can beat big-name opponents.
Over the years, RR has experienced ups and downs. While they have struggled in some seasons, the team has consistently delivered exciting cricket and developed young talent who have become stars in Indian cricket.
Recently, the Rajasthan Royals have focused on rebuilding and strengthening their squad. Their journey shows resilience, careful planning, and a commitment to competitive, entertaining cricket in the IPL.
