5 Players RR might release ahead of IPL 2026 auction

Rajasthan Royals head into the 2026 auction with a crowded balance sheet and some awkward decisions ahead. After an up-and-down IPL 2025 where the Royals failed to build consistent momentum, five players look likely to be released, not because they lack talent, but because squad shape, price tags, availability and recent form all point towards clearing space for fresh buys. Here’s a list of five names and why RR might move them on.

1. Shimron Hetmyer

Hetmyer is a clear strike-option, but RR paid a steep fee to keep him, and he was among the high-value retained players in the build-up to IPL 2025. That kind of salary forces the franchise to expect regular match-winning output. 

However, at the time of the results, his performances were very scratchy, and he failed in most matches this season. That, when added to the fees he was given, surely makes it a big headache. When runs don’t follow consistently, the cash becomes a liability and releasing him would free an overseas slot and a big chunk of purse for the auction.

2. Maheesh Theekshana

Theekshana arrived with unquestioned mystery and wicket-taking ability, and he’s one of those bowlers who can be a match-winner on his day. But RR already have several foreign players, and so it disrupts the team balance heavily. Match-ups matter heavily in IPL squad construction as well. 

Theekshana’s move to RR in 2025 cost the franchise a significant bid, and if RR decide to rebalance toward more seam depth or an extra Indian bat, he becomes a logical release candidate to avoid overloading the squad with overseas spinners. His performance this season doesn’t necessarily speak volumes in favour of keeping him in the team.

3. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Farooqi is a quality left-arm seamer with IPL experience and is still developing. RR bought him at a modest price in 2025 and was given the duty to bowl at the start as well as towards the end. However, although he did a decent job, he couldn’t deliver something memorable and can be one of the players to let go now. 

If RR want to free roster spots for a specialist death bowler, an extra allrounder or a backup keeper, Farooqi, who is valuable but not irreplaceable, could be let go and re-targeted in the auction if needed.

4. Tushar Deshpande 

Deshpande has a proven knack for chipping in with wickets in the middle overs and at the death. He was also an aggressive buy in the 2025 auction for RR as they had put quite a lot of money into him. 

But his style comes with flagging economic numbers at times. In a season where RR’s bowling balance felt unsettled, keeping several high-cost seamers who do similar jobs reduces flexibility. Trading Deshpande out would let the Royals chase either a more economical option in the auction or invest in a left-arm or swing specialist to diversify the pace attack.

5. Nitish Rana

This is a tricky call as Rana had done a great job in quite a few games, and in the games he played well, he had put the team in a great position. A strong, aggressive and experienced left-handed option in the middle order gave the team the belief that when the team needs, he will be able to absorb the pressure.

However, that was not the case as the team’s batting line-up failed in several matches and he could not perform well in quite a few number of matches. He can be someone that the team will need to think about, whether to keep him or let him go.

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