Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2026 with major squad changes after a tough pre-season period. Long-time captain Sanju Samson now plays for Chennai Super Kings. This marks the end of his ten-year association with the Royals.
The team responded by bringing in experienced all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran through trades. These players add leadership, flexibility, and balance to the squad. Jadeja previously played for the Royals during their title-winning campaign in 2008.
This article covers the Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 outlook. It includes information about ownership, squad composition, key players, and historical records.
Rajasthan Royals: Ownership
Manoj Badale leads the ownership group through Emerging Media IPL Ltd. His stake controls roughly 65% of the franchise. Badale, a British-Indian businessman and co-founder of Blenheim Chalcot, has guided the team since its founding in 2008.
RedBird Capital Partners holds about 15% of the franchise. They bring global sports investment experience. Media executive Lachlan Murdoch also owns a smaller share. This ownership mix supports the Royals’ growth both on and off the field.
Badale recently addressed rumors about selling the franchise. He dismissed them, saying such reports have appeared for 17 years without any truth.
Rajasthan Royals Squad for IPL 2026
The Royals rebuilt their squad after finishing ninth in IPL 2025. They won only four matches that season. The team traded Sanju Samson and received Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings.
At the mini-auction, they signed leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for Rs 7.20 crore. New Zealand pacer Adam Milne filled their final overseas slot.
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Aman Rao, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, Shimron Hetmyer |
| Wicketkeepers | Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Ravi Singh, Dhruv Jurel |
| All-rounders | Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Riyan Parag, 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, Sandeep Sharma |
Key Players for RR Ahead of IPL 2026
The following players will play a crucial role for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. They combine 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 | A wicketkeeper-batter with agility behind the stumps and power-hitting skills. |
Rajasthan Royals: Records (IPL 2008-2025)
The Royals started their IPL journey in 2008 and won the first season. Since then, they have seen both highs and lows. Their records showcase individual brilliance and team achievements.
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 |
| Ajinkya 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 |
Rajasthan Royals’ IPL Journey Through the Years
Rajasthan Royals entered the IPL in 2008 as underdogs. Led by Shane Warne, they shocked everyone by winning the inaugural title. That season proved that smart planning and team unity can overcome star-studded opponents.
Over the years, RR experienced ups and downs. While they struggled in some seasons, the team consistently delivered exciting cricket. They also developed young talent who became stars in Indian cricket.
Recently, the Rajasthan Royals focused on rebuilding and strengthening their squad. Their journey shows resilience, careful planning, and a commitment to competitive, entertaining cricket in the IPL.
