5 players Rajasthan Royals (RR) can target in the IPL 2026 auction – Cricket Times

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IPL 2026 mini-auction, scheduled for December 16 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, promises high-stakes bidding with Rajasthan Royals entering with ₹16.05 crore purse and nine slots, including one overseas spot. After retaining a core featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Jofra Archer, RR aim to bolster pace attack, middle-order stability, and all-round depth amid a competitive pool of 77 slots across franchises. This event follows the November 15 retention deadline, setting the stage for strategic picks to revive RR’s playoff push.​
The Sri Lankan slinger’s raw pace and yorker mastery make him ideal for RR’s death bowling needs, especially with Archer’s injury history. In IPL 2025 for Chennai Super Kings, he claimed 13 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 32.62, building on a career tally of 47 wickets in 32 games at 21.62. His 2024 heroics, including 4/28 against MI, highlight potential to complement RR’s seam unit in high-pressure chases.​
As a versatile left-hand opener and part-time spinner, Rachin Ravindra offers RR top-order firepower and balance, addressing vulnerabilities exposed in 2025. Retained by CSK for IPL 2025, he aggregated 413 runs in 18 IPL matches at a strike rate of 143.90, with a high of 65* and two fifties. His 191 runs in eight 2025 games at 128.19 SR underline consistency for powerplay aggression.​
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This Australian all-rounder’s explosive middle-order batting and handy leg-spin position him as a dynamic X-factor for RR’s batting depth. In BBL 2025 for Perth Scorchers, Cooper Connolly smashed 351 runs in 10 innings at 50.14 average and 131.46 SR, including two fifties, while taking six wickets at 7.41 economy. International exploits, like dismissing Rohit Sharma in Champions Trophy 2025, signal IPL readiness for finishing roles.​
RR could eye Shai Hope as a reliable wicketkeeper-batter to challenge Dhruv Jurel, providing overseas stability with his T20 prowess. In 2025 T20Is, he scored 324 runs in eight innings at 46.3 average and 149.3 SR, featuring a century. His IPL stint with Delhi Capitals yielded 183 runs in nine matches at 22.88 average, showcasing acceleration potential for middle overs.​
The Jammu & Kashmir pacer’s domestic surge marks him as an uncapped gem for RR’s Indian pace reinforcements, trialed by Mumbai Indians ahead of auction. In 2024-25 Ranji, he grabbed 44 wickets at 13.93 average, ranking second-highest, with T20 stats of 40 wickets in 33 games. Recent Duleep Trophy feats, like four scalps in four balls, promise raw swing and control.
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TAGS: Auqib Nabi Cooper Connolly IPL 2026 IPL 2026 Auction Matheesha Pathirana Rachin Ravindra Rajasthan Royals RR Shai Hope
CATEGORY: Featured IPL Rajasthan Royals T20 League
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