5 Players Rajasthan Royals Could Target In The IPL 2026 Auction

The IPL 2026 mini-auction will be held in Abu Dhabi and is expected to bring intense bidding because the talent pool is limited but full of high-value players. More than 1,300 cricketers have registered for the mini-auction, making it one of the biggest pools in recent years. The auction will take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

However, this is not the final list. Franchises will now study the names and prepare a shorter list by early December. Only the shortlisted players will go under the hammer during the auction.

Rajasthan Royals have retained 16 players, including 7 overseas stars, ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. The team will enter the auction with a purse of ₹16.05 crore. The Jaipur-based franchise is expected to look for an overseas fast bowler as a backup for Jofra Archer, a strong finisher, and an extra spin bowler.

Here is a look at five possible targets for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL 2026 auction.

Also Read -Ellyse Perry Creates History Again, Becomes Second Player to Record Iconic WBBL Milestone

1. Matheesha Pathirana

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana will be available in the auction, and RR may try to sign him to fix their death-overs bowling issues. Pathirana has played 32 IPL matches for CSK and has taken 47 wickets.

2. Aquib Nabi

Jammu and Kashmir’s Aquib Nabi has impressed with his bowling in domestic cricket, and he will be on RR’s radar. Nabi has not made his IPL debut yet, but he has taken 40 wickets in 33 T20 matches so far.

3. Rachin Ravindra

As a replacement for Sanju Samson, RR may look to sign Rachin Ravindra. The Kiwi all-rounder can open the innings or bat at No. 3 as well. Rachin has played 18 IPL matches for CSK and has scored 413 runs.

4. Shai Hope

Rajasthan Royals need experience in the middle order, and West Indies captain Shai Hope can be a perfect choice for them. The West Indies ODI and T20I captain has played nine IPL matches for DC and has scored 183 runs with a strike rate of 150.

5. Cooper Connolly

Even though Rajasthan have traded Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Donovan Ferreira ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, they can still target Australian spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly for the finisher role. Connolly has played 35 T20 matches so far, taken 13 wickets, and scored 646 runs.