IPL 2026: 5 RR Players who might be released ahead of mini auction

Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a poor IPL 2025, finishing in ninth place. In 14 games, they managed just four wins and ended with eight points. Throughout the season, they struggled to find consistency and momentum. 

Eventually, they endured a disappointing campaign, made worse as regular skipper Sanju Samson missed a few games due to injury. Now, ahead of the 2026 season, several players in the RR squad are likely to be released.     

Here are the 5 RR Players who might be released ahead of the mini auction 

1. Fazalhaq Farooqi

This left-arm Afghan pacer, Fazalhaq Farooqi, is known for his experience in both franchise cricket and international cricket. However, IPL 2025 turned out to be a season to forget for him.

In the five matches he featured in, Farooqi bowled a total of 17 overs but failed to make any impact. He conceded 210 runs at a steep economy rate of 12.35 and went wicketless throughout the tournament. 

For a bowler of his calibre, returning without a single wicket across five games was both surprising and disappointing. Given such a performance, RR might decide to release him ahead of IPL 2026.  

2. Yudhvir Singh

Yudhvir Singh, the 27-year-old pacer from India, did not have a good IPL 2025. He played only four matches and picked up just four wickets while conceding 131 runs at an economy of 11.90. For Yudhvir, it was a great opportunity to secure his place in the squad with some strong performances. But he failed to deliver, and now he is most likely to be released from the RR squad ahead of the 2026 season.

3. Akash Madhwal

Akash Madhwal is another Indian pacer who failed to grab his opportunities in IPL 2025. In four games, he picked up only four wickets while conceding 166 runs in 15 overs, at an economy of 11.06. With the bat, he also did not get many opportunities. So, going into the 2026 season, it is highly expected that RR might release him and look for better options. 

4. Kwena Maphaka

Kwena Maphaka is one of the most exciting pace-bowling talents in world cricket at the moment. He recently performed well for South Africa during their tour of Australia. But in IPL 2025, he failed to showcase his talent. 

In two matches, he picked up only one wicket while conceding runs at an economy of 10.80. Although he is currently showing promise on the international stage, the youngster might still find it tough to retain his place in the squad for IPL 2026, as he could be released.   

5. Tushar Deshpande

This Indian pacer finished IPL 2025 with nine wickets in 10 innings, conceding 340 runs at an economy of 10.62. But despite those wickets, Tushar Deshpande could be released ahead of IPL 2026. 

His breakthrough season came in 2024 with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), when he picked up 17 wickets in 13 games at an economy of 8.83. Unfortunately for Rajasthan Royals, he failed to replicate that form in 2025.

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