Amidst the preparations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Rajasthan Royals (RR) is now preparing to make big changes in the team. After a poor performance last season, the team management is planning to release some big and expensive players, so that sufficient money can be available for the mega auction.
There is widespread talk of releasing Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson before the IPL 2026 auction. According to sources, the franchise has decided to bid him farewell. Sanju Samson played only nine matches last season due to injuries and his performance was disappointing. The team management now wants to take the field with a new captain and a new strategy.
Apart from Sanju Samson, the sword of release is also hanging over two other big players. Sri Lankan spinner Mahesh Tixana was included in IPL 2025 for Rs 4.40 crore, but his performance was disappointing. He took only 11 wickets in the entire season with an economy of 9.26 and an average of over 37. RR is now looking for better spin options that can prove effective in both the powerplay and death overs.
West Indies star batter Shimron Hetmyer’s performance has declined in the last few seasons. Hetmyer, who was retained for Rs 11 crore, scored only 239 runs in 14 matches in the 2025 season. He completely failed to play the role of a finisher in the team. Hetmyer has not been able to cross the 300-run mark in a single season since the 2022 season, so the franchise is now looking for a new finisher.
The Rajasthan Royals management is now clearly preparing to enter the IPL 2026 season with a new strategy and new faces. The emphasis will be on finding an experienced all-rounder and expert batter to strengthen the team, so that it can once again be in the race to win the title.
