IPL 2026: Predicting RR’s strongest playing XI

With four victories in ten games and a net run rate of -0.549, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended their final Indian Premier League (IPL) season in penultimate place in the standings. They had to make changes in the eleven since the start of the season because they were missing their captain and wicketkeeper, Sanju Samson.

But prior to the auction, the Royals made a significant move by acquiring Sam Curran and their former spin all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, from the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They will both undoubtedly be in their starting lineup. As they welcomed South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira, they also allowed Nitish Rana to depart and sign with the Delhi Capitals.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are anticipated to start RR's innings. With six half-centuries and 559 runs, Jaiswal was one of the most reliable hitters in the 2025 Indian Premier League. As Sanju Samson's replacement, Suryavanshi, who was signed during the IPL 2025 mega auction, left a lasting impression.

Lhuan-dre-Pretorious can be retained at number three, and Riyan Parag can come next. Having three left-handed hitters in the top order could be a small problem. That doesn't, however, significantly alter the game's shortest format. Shimron Hetmyer, another southpaw, comes in at number six for the team, right behind Dhruv Jurel, the wicketkeeper.

Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran will oversee RR's all-around division, coming respectively in the batting line-up. Jadeja provides a wealth of experience, having played for RR during the first season in 2008. Jofra Archer is ranked seventh, with Ravi Bishnoi and Sandeep Sharma occupying the remaining positions. In the meantime, depending on the team and circumstances, one of Donovan Ferreira or Nandre Burger will probably be used as an impact player for the first-ever champions, if playing XI changes.

Jofra Archer is anticipated to lead the Royals' pace attack, while Bishnoi will assume the role of primary spinner. The Rajasthan Royals can operate with the fourth foreign place because they have an all-Indian top order.

RR’s strongest playing 11 for IPL 2026

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Lhuan-dre-Pretorious, Riyan Parag (c), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma.

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