IPL 2026: 3 Players RR should release ahead of mini-auction

Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a difficult IPL 2025 campaign, finishing ninth in the points table. In 14 matches, they won only four games and ended with eight points. Throughout the season, the team struggled to find rhythm and maintain consistency. 

Their campaign became even more challenging as regular captain Sanju Samson missed a few matches due to injury. Now, with the mini-auction approaching for the 2026 season, RR are expected to release several players who could not perform as required. The auction is reportedly set to take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-December 2025. 

Here are the 3 players RR should release ahead of the mini-auction

Fazalhaq Farooqi

Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi is known for his experience in international and franchise cricket. But IPL 2025 turned out to be a disappointing season for him. Across five matches, Farooqi bowled 17 overs but could not make any impact. 

He conceded 210 runs at a high economy rate of 12.35 and finished the tournament without taking a single wicket. For a bowler of his ability, going wicketless across five games was surprising and disappointing. With such a poor season, RR may look to release him before IPL 2026.

Kwena Maphaka

Kwena Maphaka is considered one of the brightest young fast-bowling talents in world cricket. He recently impressed while playing for South Africa in Australia. However, he could not bring the same performance to IPL 2025.

In two matches, he picked up only one wicket and conceded runs at an economy of 10.80. While he is promising at the international level, he may still struggle to retain his spot in the RR squad for IPL 2026, as the team might choose to release him.

Tushar Deshpande

Indian pacer Tushar Deshpande finished IPL 2025 with nine wickets in 10 innings, giving away 340 runs at an economy rate of 10.62. Although he picked up wickets, RR may still release him ahead of IPL 2026.

His breakthrough year came in 2024 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), when he claimed 17 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of 8.83. But he could not repeat that form for the Rajasthan Royals in 2025, which could lead the franchise to look for alternatives for the next season.

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