West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder has been away from the limelight for some time, missing the home T20 World Cup in 2024 due to injury. Since then, he has been steadily working on his game to re-establish himself as one of the top T20 all-rounders globally. Holder’s focus and dedication have seen him regain form and relevance in the shortest format.

Currently leading the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2025 Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Holder has found the perfect stage to showcase his skills. Under his captaincy, the team remains in contention for the playoffs, with Holder delivering consistently with both bat and ball, proving to be a key player for his side.

So far in the CPL, Holder has scored 267 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 38.14 and a strike rate of 167.92, making him the sixth-highest run-scorer. In addition, he has taken 13 wickets at an economy of 7.80, ranking third among wicket-takers and leading all pacers in the tournament.

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IPL Teams can Probably Pick Jason Holder in IPL 2026 Auction:

Although Jason Holder might not bat as high in the IPL as he currently does in the CPL, his recent batting improvements will certainly catch the attention of IPL scouts, who constantly seek multi-talented players capable of contributing in different facets of the game.

In the current IPL era, dominated by impact players, it is challenging for overseas all-rounders to secure a regular spot in the playing XI unless they are among the very best. Even established names like Azmatullah Omarzai, Marcus Stoinis, and Sam Curran have struggled to find consistent game time, highlighting the intense competition for overseas all-rounder slots.

Holder’s exceptional all-round abilities and current red-hot form make him stand out among his peers. Considering his impressive performances with both bat and ball, several IPL teams are likely to keep a close eye on him. Here’s a look at three franchises that should consider targeting the in-form Jason Holder for IPL 2026.

• Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals have often faced challenges in finding the right all-rounder to provide balance and depth to their squad. Players like Chris Morris, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Obed McCoy, and even Jason Holder have been tried in this role, but none have consistently delivered the impact needed to strengthen the team’s overall performance.

Rajasthan Royals could benefit from bringing back Jason Holder for a second stint, building on his previous experience with the franchise. In 2023, Holder played eight matches, taking four wickets at an economy of 9.96 before being released. His return could provide the team with the balance and versatility they have been seeking.

During the 2025 season, RR struggled with batting depth, often failing to chase targets effectively. Their reliance on Shubham Dubey didn’t yield results, and Jofra Archer has mostly contributed as a bowler rather than a true all-rounder. A well-rounded bowling all-rounder like Holder could fill the No.8 role efficiently.

Rajasthan Royals’ pace attack has been a recurring concern, with Jofra Archer lacking a dependable partner at the new ball. Tushar Deshpande and Fazalhaq Farooqi have underperformed, while backup options like Akash Madhwal and Kwena Maphaka haven’t proven strong enough to lead the bowling. This weakness has left RR searching for a consistent bowling solution.

With a strong Indian batting lineup, RR can afford to strengthen their lower order with overseas talent. Avoiding the two-overseas-spinner approach gives them the flexibility to include a foreign all-rounder. Jason Holder, with his experience and versatility, fits this role perfectly, providing both balance and impact.

• Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad have faced challenges with both their pace attack and overall team balance. Mohammad Shami struggled to find consistency with the new ball, while the lower middle-order failed to contribute significantly with the bat, leaving SRH short of depth and balance throughout the season.

Aniket Verma has performed well, but the inconsistent form of players like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kamindu Mendis, and Abhinav Manohar means Sunrisers Hyderabad need additional reinforcements to strengthen their side. The team’s struggles in both batting and bowling have highlighted the need for a versatile solution.

Adding a separate pacer and batter may disrupt SRH’s existing balance, making an all-rounder the ideal choice. Jason Holder fits this role perfectly, offering new-ball support and the ability to finish innings with the bat. His inclusion could provide the team with much-needed depth and flexibility in both departments.

• Lucknow Super Giants

Jason Holder had a standout IPL season with Lucknow Super Giants during their inaugural 2022 campaign, claiming 14 wickets. Despite his strong performance, LSG surprisingly released him and replaced him with all-rounders Daniel Sams and Romario Shepherd, a combination that failed to deliver the desired results for the team.

The 2026 IPL season offers a perfect opportunity for Holder to return. LSG are in need of a dependable all-rounder to bolster their lower middle-order while also providing support to a fragile and injury-prone bowling lineup. Holder’s experience and versatility make him an ideal candidate to strengthen the squad.

Lucknow Super Giants have occasionally struggled to fit David Miller into their playing XI, leaving finishing responsibilities to Abdul Samad and Shahbaz Ahmed. This duo could use additional support, and having a reliable all-rounder like Jason Holder would add depth to the lower middle-order, reducing excessive reliance on the top three.

LSG also lack a proven new-ball bowler. Last season, late replacement Shardul Thakur often shouldered this responsibility. Holder, with his tall frame and ability to swing the ball, could effectively fill this role, providing consistency with the new ball and adding balance to LSG’s bowling attack.

In addition, injuries to Mitchell Marsh have forced him to focus solely on batting, putting extra pressure on the bowling unit. While Avesh Khan and Mohsin Khan are decent at the death, Holder’s clever variations, including a deceptive slower ball with dip, make him an ideal option to strengthen both ends of the innings.

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) continue to go through a tough time ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). A few days ago, their former captain and head coach, Rahul Dravid, who returned to the franchise after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 with the Indian side in the West Indies and United States of America, decided to part ways with the side after a declining season with poor performances.

Even before the wounds were settled, it has been reported that the CEO of the franchise, Jake Lush MCum, has decided to leave the franchise. The England-born, who has served in many capacities in the Royals Operations before being appointed as the CEO of the franchise, has made the decision.

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As reported, Jake seems to have called up his few fellow franchises and the industry friends to inform his decision to exit from the Jaipur franchise, who earned the maiden title of the Indian Premier League (IPL) back in 2008. This now puts the one-time title winner to a spot of starting totally new from the upcoming edition.

RR CEO joins Rahul Dravid to leave franchise before IPL 2026

In the recent season of the league, the Royals ended at the penultimate position in the points table with four wins in 14 encounters at a net run rate of -0.549. They faced two defeats in the first four games of the edition before stretching it to five successive loses in the season. Apart from one or two wins, they were poor with the bat and ball in the last edition.

The speculation has also been around the future of their long-time captain, Sanju Samson, who missed the lion’s share of the season due to injury and is expected to leave the side before the mini auction. Reports have also claimed his discussions with few new teams for the next season’s IPL.

Few Samson goes out, then the coin toss will be between Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal for the leadership position. The former is the vice-captain of the side while the latter is an international all-format player for India and an experienced campaigner for the franchise.

Pacer Sandeep Sharma has revealed how Rajasthan Royals’ captain Sanju Samson was instrumental in saving and reshaping his IPL career. Sandeep was viewed primarily as a new-ball bowler, and he is thankful that Sanju supported him during his dark days and showed him the path to becoming a reliable death specialist.

Sandeep Sharma career hit a low when he went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction. For a bowler with years of experience swinging the new ball, this setback was massive. But fate gave him another chance when the Royals signed him as a replacement for injured Prasidh Krishna. It was under Samson’s captaincy that Sandeep discovered a new role and renewed purpose in the team.

In a recent interview with CricTracker, Sandeep revealed that Samson backed his death bowling skills and encouraged him to master the craft. "I think Sanju Samson backed me the most. He actually challenged me to do something that I had never done. And that is the quality of good captains, who see things in you that even you don't. He has done that. He has been really great to me," Sandeep said.

Samson’s support fuels Sandeep’s revival

The results have been clear on the field. Since joining Rajasthan Royals, Sandeep has taken 32 wickets across three seasons. "And as a captain for RR, the team has seen so much success under him. I think in the last five years, they have seen three to four good seasons. So he has been a very good captain and, at the same time, a great leader. He understands everyone; anyone who's playing under him, he takes that effort to understand that personality. And then according to that, assigning those roles is very important," he added.

In IPL 2024, Sandeep has 13 wickets in 10 innings with an average of 23.92. Similarly, in IPL 2025 , before an injury cut his season short, he claimed 9 wickets in 10 games, having consistent performances. Rajasthan Royals have shown confidence in their bowler by retaining Sandeep along with Samson ahead of the 2025 mega auction.

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Sandeep also addressed rumors about Samson’s possible trade from RR, dismissing them as unfounded. "I don't think so. They are rumors only. I think all these things go in the media one by one and after that, they start circulating. If you ask me personally, I have not been a part of that conversation. Whatever is happening, I don't know. But I think personally, they are only rumors."

In the last few weeks, the reports have revealed strong news on the potential retention list of all ten franchises before the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). It was highlighted that the long-time captain of the Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson, would have made his flight to Chennai to feature for the Super Kings. But that seems unlikely now.

Sanju Samson, who has smashed an overall 4704 runs in 172 innings of the IPL at an average of 30.94 and a strike rate of 139.04 with three centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 119 runs, is likely to stay with the franchise. The wicket-keeper opening batter has spent his time with the Royals since 2018 and has been one of the most important members of the side.

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Last season, he didn’t enjoy a great time on and off the field with 265 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39 with one fifty at the best score of 66. When he was out of the side, Riyan Parag took the responsibility of leadership.

RR to extend Sanju Samson and Kumar Sangakkara’s contract for IPL 2026

Apart from that 2025 season, Samson, who retained his position in the Indian T20I side for the Asia Cup 2025, starting on September 09, has crossed the 300-run mark in every season for the 2008 champions. That’s the consistency Royals wanted. Along with him, RR’s head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, is also likely to get a contract extension for the franchise in 2026.

Many reports claimed that the former Sri Lanka captain was likely to leave the franchise with the Kolkata Knight Riders, and a few other sides were keeping an eye on that. But after Rahul Dravid decides to leave the side after 2025, that speculation can be erased.

Rajasthan had a tough time in 2025 as they failed to qualify for the playoffs of the tournament. They finished at the penultimate position of the points table with four wins and 10 defeats in 14 fixtures at a net run rate of -0.647. Both halves of the event were divided into two wins and five defeats during the IPL 2025.  

Reports have been floating about Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ahead of the mini auction of Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). According to a recently published media report, KKR already cleared their position on player trade to the Rajasthan-based franchise. 

There were rumors about KKR's possible interest in RR captain Sanju Samson. To make the trade-in real, the multi-time IPL champion franchise may have to spend a hefty fee. If they want to save some amount, then there is the option of a player transfer plus money deal. According to a few previous claims on social media platforms, Rajasthan Royals might have interest in multiple KKR players in exchange for Samson; as of now, this option could be denied by Knight Riders. In parallel, there is no concrete evidence about Samson's trade to Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of IPL 2026.

Apart from the squad-building process, RR now has to find a new coach for the upcoming Indian Premier League season, as their head coach Rahul Dravid parted ways with the franchise. According to a statement released by RR, they offered Dravid a new role, but the ICC T20I World Cup-winning coach turned down the offer and decided to leave the club. 

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In the previous season, RR faced a brutal situation in the points table. Despite making some promising performances on the field, they failed to find the right path to get on the winning track. They finished IPL 2025 second from the bottom with only 4 wins after playing 14 matches. 

Kolkata Knight Riders were the defending champion side in IPL 2025; they too could not make their way to the round of four. KKR concluded their season one place above Rajasthan Royals in the points table with only 5 wins in 14 matches.

Some shocking reports have emerged about the future of Rahul Dravid in the Indian Premier League (IPL). After parting ways with Rajasthan Royals (RR), the ICC T20I World Cup-winning coach is currently not associated with any other IPL franchise, which has made the speculations more intense on social media platforms.

 In a recently published media report, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have some serious interest in the experienced coach. Regarding that, there are no strong confirmations about that, but in the near future, some significant developments are expected. In a media report, it is claimed that KKR CEO Venky Mysore is currently in the West Indies to monitor the ongoing Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

After his return to Mumbai from the West Indies, discussions about signing Rahul Dravid can move further. As of now, Rahul Dravid joining Kolkata Knight Riders remains as a possibility only. 

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A final call yet to come 

On Saturday (August 30, 2025), Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced the departure of Rahul Dravid ahead of the IPL 2026. Through a press release, the franchise informed, "Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey over many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise. As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise but has chosen not to take this."

Dravid's second spell with Rajasthan Royals was underwhelming. The former India captain served the team between 2011 and 2015 as player and coach before returning to the club for the IPL 2025 season right after winning the T20 World Cup title. But his comeback became short-lived as Dravid and Rajasthan Royals decided to separate. 

It may sound like Rajasthan Royals’ head coach, Rahul Dravid’s absence was sudden, but it wasn’t surprising at all. Since the end of the last season, there has been so much speculation on the team’s performance, with just four wins in 14 games during the 2025 edition of the tournament. A better show was expected from the World Cup-winning coach. 

Dravid appeared to be a perfect fit for the philosophy of the franchise for his incredible hard work, patient grooming, and attention to detail. The reports claimed that there were three groups in the camp during the previous season. The first group wanted Riyan Parag to be the new leader of the side in place of Sanju Samson.

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Dravid’s departure was viewed as the fallout between the captain and head coach of the side. Samson wasn’t seemingly happy with the head coach, who had been fiercely protective of the player and often cited his development within the setup of the Royals’ franchise. This was another group that wanted Samson to continue with the leadership skills.

Rajasthan Royals continue with three different groups ahead of IPL 2026

The second group of the franchise backed Yashasvi Jaiswal as the future leader of the side. The left-handed batter has smashed a total of 2166 IPL runs in 66 innings, out of which 559 runs came in the previous season in 14 innings at an average of 43 and a strike rate of nearly 160, scoring six half-centuries at the best score of 75 runs.

It's not announced yet, but the sudden turn of events may work in Kumar Sangakkara’s favor. However, the IPL buzz is that he had previously been in talks with the other franchises. Over the next few days, RR is expected to hold a meeting. It’s not clear if Sangakkara will be part of the meeting, but the side’s batting coach, Vikram Rathour, will be attending the meeting.

“Rahul has been central to the Royals' journey for many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, instilled strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise.” The inaugural champions of the tournament expressed in a statement.

On Saturday (August 30, 2025), Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) announced that Rahul Dravid will not continue as their head coach ahead of the IPL 2026. Through a media release, the franchise informed that after a conversation, both parties decided to part ways. According to the franchise, they offered Rahul a more dynamic role, but he chose to step down rather than accept the new role. Thus, before the upcoming IPL season, the inaugural champion of the tournament will have to appoint a new coach to guide the troop.

"Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey over many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise. As part of the franchise structural review, Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise but has chosen not to take this," the statement read.

Dravid's second spell with Rajasthan Royals was underwhelming. The former India captain served the team between2011 and 2015 as player and coach before returning to the club for the IPL 2025 season right after winning the T20 World Cup title. But his comeback became short-lived as Dravid and Rajasthan Royals decided to separate. 

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Both had a tough time

Despite some promising matches and batting displays, as a team RR faced a tough season in 2025. His strategy during the mega auction was also under scrutiny. Ahead of the auction, they left multiple big names of world cricket and invested in some underrated talents. As a result, in 14 games they managed to win only four and finished as the ninth team of the points table. 

For most of the season, Dravid was in a wheelchair because of a foot injury he received while playing a club cricket match in Bengaluru. The coach and the club, both sides, had a tough time in IPL 2025. 

In a significant turn of events just days before the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, former India head coach and batting great, Rahul Dravid, has stepped down from his role as head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR). The franchise made the announcement in an official statement posted on social media on August 30. 

Dravid himself had stepped down from his role as head coach of Team India following the T20 World Cup, but was re-hired by Rajasthan Royals ahead of IPL 2025. However, Dravid's return lasted only one season after an underwhelming season for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) as they finished ninth on the points table and therefore missed the playoffs.

Official Statement pic.twitter.com/qyHYVLVewz

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025

Dravid's long association with RR

Dravid has a very deep history with the Royals, having been the Captain for 2 years (2012 and 2013). It was also in 2014 and 2015 that Rahult took on the role of team director/mentor and worked with a number of young players at the time. In addition to these leadership roles, Dravid has obviously mentored and shaped Sanju Samson's early days since they were working together in the Under-19 setup. However, despite this high-performance association, Dravid's second stint with RR has ended rather suddenly.

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As reported, the Royals management had offered Dravid a bigger role as part of a structural review of the franchise, and Dravid declined that offer and subsequently parted ways with the franchise. His decision comes at a precarious time for RR. Speculation is peaking around the future of wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson with the team. The wicketkeeper is connected to a potential departure from the franchise, and CSK is thought to be one of the interested parties. 

What is next for RR? 

Dravid's sudden exit leaves RR facing indecision. After finishing in the bottom half of the table in IPL 2025, the franchise will need to find a head coach who is capable of rebuilding the side and returning the franchise to competitiveness. With the potential exit of Samson, the off-season will react differently than in previous seasons. The 2026 season will likely be a pivotal time for the Men in Pink. 

For now, Dravid's exit signals the end of yet another chapter in his association with the Rajasthan Royals, one which was expected to bring stability but ended sooner with unfinished business.

A few weeks ago, the reports claimed that Sanju Samson, the captain of the Rajasthan Royals, is expected to move to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) through trades ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). To start with, the franchise isn’t seemingly interested in this purchase as the entire decision sits with the principal owner, Manoj Badale.

The Kerala-born batter has smashed a total of 4704 IPL runs in 172 innings at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 139.04, with the help of three centuries and 26 half-centuries at the best score of 119 runs. In the previous season for the Royals, Samson clubbed 285 runs in nine innings of the IPL at an average of 35.62 and a strike rate of 140.39 with one fifty.

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“Our owner (Manoj Badale) will take a call on this; he will decide. That, too, would be decided by the owner.” The Royals’ insider expressed to Revsportz, while eliminating the suggestions of the broken relationship between the captain and the head coach of the side, Rahul Dravid.

Report reveals Sanju Samson’s fate ahead of IPL 2026

The currently retired IPL spinner for CSK, Ravichandran Ashwin, has shed light on why he feels that the news of Samson going into the Super Kings is unlikely to happen. Sanju is also part of the 15-member squad of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, but is unlikely to be part of the playing eleven.

“Why the CSK-RR trade won’t work is because if Sanju is traded to CSK, and RR then tries to trade with other teams, they are unlikely to get valuable players in return. For example, if RR wants a spinner like Ravi Bishnoi and approaches LSG, the problem is that if LSG acquires Sanju and gives away Bishnoi, they also have to manage the remaining purse required to retain Sanju, which becomes LSG’s responsibility.” Ashwin expressed on his YouTube channel.

“CSK generally doesn’t believe in trading. They aren’t going to trade players like Ravindra Jadeja or Shivam Dube. So, in all likelihood, Sanju coming to CSK is bleak for the reasons I have explained. RR doesn’t have much to gain from this kind of trade.” Ashwin addressed.