Rajasthan Royals target list for the IPL 2026 auction is shaping up around fixing clear gaps, with RR targets likely to include two Indian spinners and a discarded India opener as the franchise looks to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 season.
With the IPL 2026 mini auction scheduled for December 16, Rajasthan Royals head in with a purse of INR 16.05 crore, nine slots to fill from the shortlist of 359 players, and just one overseas spot available. The focus is expected to be on smart Indian buys rather than headline overseas splurges. Who will RR buy is largely dependent on addressing balance, depth, and match-up weaknesses exposed last season.
Rajasthan Royals targets: Squad balance and key gaps
Before we look at the gap in the RR squad for 2026, we need to see their retained players list.
RR retained players for IPL 2026
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Riyan Parag
- Dhruv Jurel (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shimron Hetmyer ✈️
- Sam Curran ✈️
- Jofra Archer ✈️
- Sandeep Sharma
- Tushar Deshpande
- Yudhvir Singh Charak
- Shubham Dubey
- Donovan Ferreira (WK) ✈️
- Kwena Maphaka ✈️
- Nandre Burger ✈️
- Lhuan-Dre Pretorius ✈️
Rajasthan Royals target strategy is clear when their retained core is analysed. The top and middle order is largely settled with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja, Shimron Hetmyer and Sam Curran forming the batting spine. The pace unit, led by Jofra Archer, is well stocked on paper.
However, RR targets must address three critical areas: wicket-taking spin, Indian wicketkeeping depth, and top-order backup. The lack of a specialist spinner hurt them badly in IPL 2025, where RR’s spinners managed just 27 wickets at an average of 38.11 and an economy of 9.27. That gap shapes most of their auction thinking.
RR targets
Who will Rajasthan Royals buy at the IPL 2026 auction and what are their priorities?
Indian spinners top the priority list
Rajasthan Royals target list is expected to start with Indian leg-spinners. Ravi Bishnoi is one of the biggest RR targets if he becomes available at a manageable price. Bishnoi offers proven middle-overs control and wicket-taking ability, with 72 IPL wickets at an economy of 8.21. For a side lacking a strike spinner, he fits perfectly.
Another RR target in the spin department is Yash Raj Punja. The Karnataka leg-spinner, who has previously worked with RR as a net bowler, impressed in the Maharaja Trophy with 23 wickets at an average of 12.48. As a lower-cost Indian option, Punja offers value and familiarity with the Royals’ setup.
Who will RR buy to fix the wicketkeeper gap?
Who will RR buy as a backup wicketkeeper is another key question. With Sanju Samson no longer part of the squad, Rajasthan Royals target an Indian wicketkeeper to support Dhruv Jurel.
Mukul Choudhary has emerged as a strong RR target. The 21-year-old from Rajasthan impressed in the U23 circuit and SMAT 2025, striking at 201.69 as a middle-order finisher. His local roots, explosive batting, and flexibility make him a realistic buy at the mini auction.
Rajasthan Royals target Prithvi Shaw At IPL 2026 Auction
Rajasthan Royals target list also includes a top-order Indian batter, and Prithvi Shaw is one name firmly on the radar. Shaw fits RR’s aggressive batting template and provides insurance in the top three after Samson’s exit.
In SMAT 2025, Shaw scored 183 runs at a strike rate of 160.52, showing signs of rediscovering form. For RR targets focused on upside and intent, Shaw represents a calculated gamble rather than a marquee risk.
RR targets for pace depth and overseas insurance
Despite a settled pace attack, RR targets include one overseas fast bowler to cover for Jofra Archer’s injury history. Will O’Rourke is a strong contender, offering bounce and new-ball threat. He was impressive for LSG last season as a temporary replacement.
Jason Holder is another RR target being considered as a like-for-like all-round backup for Sam Curran. Holder’s current T20 strike rate of 154.10 and ability to contribute in multiple phases make him a valuable squad option if budget allows.
Among Indian pacers, Ashok Sharma stands out as a prime RR target. Clocking 150 kmph and coming off a standout SMAT 2025 where he took 20 wickets at 14.80, Sharma adds raw pace and wicket-taking potential.
Other RR targets to watch at the auction
Beyond headline names, Rajasthan Royals target several domestic options for squad depth, including Kartik Tyagi, Shivam Mavi, Sushant Mishra, Rohan Kunnummal, Tanush Kotian and Salil Arora, ideally at base or near-base prices.
RR targets for IPL 2026 auction
- Ravi Bishnoi (Indian leg-spinner)
- Yash Raj Punja or Tanush Kotian (Indian spinner)
- Prithvi Shaw or Rohan Kunnummal (Indian top-order batter)
- Mukul Choudhary (Indian wicketkeeper-batter)
- Will O’Rourke ✈️ (overseas pace backup)
- Jason Holder ✈️ (overseas all-rounder backup)
- Ashok Sharma or Kartik Tyagi or Shivam Mavi (Indian right-arm fast bowler)
- Sushant Mishra (Indian left-arm pacer)
- Salil Arora (uncapped Indian batter, budget pick)
So, Who will RR buy at IPL 2026 auction?
Rajasthan Royals target strategy for IPL 2026 is pragmatic rather than flashy. Expect RR targets to prioritise Indian spinners, a backup wicketkeeper, and a top-order batter, with one overseas pacer as insurance. Who will RR buy may ultimately depend on auction dynamics, but the Royals’ focus on fixing specific weaknesses could quietly set them up for a stronger 2026 campaign.
