Rajasthan Royals walk into the auction with Rs 16.05 crore burning a hole in their pocket. They’ve already locked in 16 players including 7 from overseas for IPL 2026. Now RR needs to plug some serious gaps in their bowling and middle order. The auction coming up will decide whether they can challenge for the title this season.
5 Targets for Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026
- Matheesha Pathirana
Matheesha Pathirana sits right at the top of RR’s shopping list for this IPL 2026 auction. The Sri Lankan quick has grabbed 47 wickets in just 32 matches while playing for CSK. His death bowling skills are exactly what Rajasthan desperately needs right now in tight games. Getting Pathirana would solve their pace bowling worries in one shot basically.
- Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra could be the perfect replacement if they’re missing Sanju Samson’s flexibility up front. The Kiwi all-rounder scored 413 runs in 18 IPL 2026 matches playing various positions. He brings that batting depth RR craves plus some handy bowling options too.
- Shai Hope
Shai Hope is on their radar to bring some solid West Indian experience. The WI captain made 183 runs in just 9 IPL matches at a strike rate of around 150. That’s the kind of middle-order stability any team dreams about having during pressure situations.
- Cooper Connolly
Cooper Connolly has emerged as their main target for that crucial finisher role now. After trading away key players recently, RR needs someone who can close out innings properly. Connolly can smash boundaries and bowl some spin when needed, giving them flexibility. The auction will reveal whether Rajasthan can land these five players for IPL 2026.
- Aquib Nabi
Aquib Nabi is another name creating buzz as a potential auction pick for RR. He’s taken 40 wickets across 33 T20 matches in domestic cricket so far. Sure, he hasn’t played IPL yet, but his numbers speak for themselves really. Rajasthan loves finding these hidden gems before other teams catch on to them.
