Rajasthan Royals face brutal decisions before the IPL 2026 auction deadline approaches. The 5 players RR should release include some shocking names on this list. Management wants to free up money and overseas slots for better replacements.
RR must finalise their retention list by November 15, coming up fast. The mini-auction happens between December 13-15, giving them a limited time to plan. Poor performances last season forced RR to rethink their entire squad composition.
List of Players Who Might be Dropped from RR Squad
1. Sanju Samson: Samson’s future with RR looks uncertain despite captaining them for years. He reportedly fought with management over releasing Jos Buttler earlier. The 5 players RR should release could include even their captain, surprisingly. His departure creates massive leadership problems needing immediate solutions from management. RR needs to find a new captain and an experienced batsman to replace him. This potential move signals RR wanting a fresh start.
2. Shimron Hetmyer: Hetmyer flopped badly in IPL 2025 as their finisher option. His high salary doesn’t match his poor performances delivered last season. RR wants reliable finishers instead of inconsistent overseas players occupying slots.
3. Maheesh Theekshana: Theekshana hasn’t impacted RR’s bowling despite his T20 record looking good. Indian spinners already provide better options than those currently available here. The 5 players RR should release include him, freeing overseas slots.
4. Fazalhaq Farooqi: Farooqi never became the strike bowler RR expected buying him. They already have Jofra Archer leading the pace attack strongly enough. RR seeks variety in bowling rather than keeping similar pacers together.
5. Shubham Dubey: Shubham arrived with a promise but delivered nothing substantial for RR. His inconsistent performances make him expendable before the IPL 2026 auction starts. RR wants proven Indian middle-order batsmen instead of young experiments failing.
The franchise balances performance expectations with budget constraints, making tough calls. Every release helps RR in restructuring their squad, addressing weaknesses exposed last season. These decisions shape RR’s IPL 2026 campaign chances significantly moving forward.
