RR

Rajasthan Royals set to become first billion-dollar franchise ahead of IPL 2026

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:54:04 GMT

Interest from global investors in IPL teams continues to grow, and the Rajasthan Royals are the latest franchise to come under the spotlight. One of the league’s original teams has received an early bid of $1.3 billion, led by U.S. investor Kal Somani, according to a report by Bloomberg.

Somani, who already holds a minority stake in the Rajasthan Royals, is leading one of four bidding groups that have moved to the next stage of the process. The sale is being managed by the Raine Group, which has reportedly fixed the base price at around $1.1 billion. Two large U.S.-based private equity firms are also among the shortlisted bidders.

The franchise is currently majority-owned by Emerging Media Ventures, with additional stakes held by RedBird Capital Partners and Tiger Global. The ongoing sale gives the ownership group a chance to restructure. Reports suggest that some early investors are looking to exit, as IPL team values continue to rise due to strong media rights deals and growing global interest.

🚨 IPL team Rajasthan Royals gets $1.3 billion offer in valuation. pic.twitter.com/Sv9DnCELcE
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) January 29, 2026

Also read -Watch: Sanju Samson’s aggressive preparations ahead of IND vs NZ T20I series with ex-RR team director

IPL Ownership Shifts and Rising Investor Interest

This development follows a broader trend of changes in IPL ownership. Last year, CVC Capital Partners Plc exited its stake in Gujarat Titans in a deal that valued the franchise at around $800 million. At the same time, Diageo Plc’s Indian unit, United Spirits Ltd., is also reported to be reviewing its stake in Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Big global investors continue to show strong interest, with firms like Blackstone Inc. and Carlyle Group Inc. exploring opportunities to invest in IPL teams, highlighting the league’s growing value as a long-term asset.

Major Squad Changes Ahead of IPL 2026

On the cricket side, the Rajasthan Royals have seen mixed results over the years. After winning the first IPL title in 2008, they have reached only one final since, in 2022, where they finished runners-up to the Gujarat Titans. A decline followed, leading to a major reset after the 2025 season. Despite these struggles, investor interest has stayed strong. Ahead of IPL 2026, the Royals made big squad changes, including trading captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran, and bringing in Donovan Ferreira from Delhi Capitals in a deal involving Nitish Rana.

IPL Auction 2026: Full squad and new bought players for Rajasthan Royals

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 23:08:22 GMT

Rajasthan Royals (RR) made a big move at the IPL 2026 mini-auction by signing Indian leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi. RR bought Ravi Bishnoi for ₹7.2 crore, even though his base price was ₹2 crore. The franchise stayed out of the Cameron Green bidding war and instead used a large part of their budget to secure Bishnoi, who could become a key bowler for the team.

RR entered the mini-auction with a purse of ₹16.05 crore and spent almost half of it on Bishnoi alone. Along with him, the Royals added a few low-cost Indian players to increase squad depth. Former Mumbai Indians player Vignesh Puthur and young talent Yash Raj Punja were both signed for ₹30 lakh each.

After joining Rajasthan Royals, Ravi Bishnoi shared his feelings and said, “Playing for Rajasthan Royals will feel like playing at home. I started my cricket journey as a net bowler at RR, and now representing a team that carries the name of my state means a lot to me.” RR’s lead owner, Manoj Badale, also praised Bishnoi, calling his return a special moment for the franchise and its fans.

Rajasthan Royals Bought Players at IPL 2026 Auction

Ravi Bishnoi (₹7.2 crore), Sushant Mishra (₹90 lakh), Vignesh Puthur (₹30 lakh), Yash Raj Punja (₹30 lakh), Ravi Singh (₹95 lakh), Aman Rao Perala (₹30 lakh), Adam Milne (₹2.4 crore), Kuldeep Sen (₹75 lakh), Brijesh Sharma (₹30 lakh).

Rajasthan Royals Full Squad for IPL 2026

Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira (traded), Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-Dre Pretorious, Nandre Burger, Ravindra Jadeja (traded), Riyan Parag, Sam Curran (traded), Sandeep Sharma, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Charak, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, Vignesh Puthur, Yash Raj Punja, Ravi Singh, Aman Rao Perala, Adam Milne, Kuldeep Sen, Brijesh Sharma.

Jadeja to lead Royals? RR plotting leadership revival with CSK swap deal

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 14:18:28 GMT

In what could perhaps become one of the most highlighted trades in IPL history, Ravindra Jadeja is said to be in line to be traded to Rajasthan Royals (RR) from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a major player-for-player trade that could potentially see Sanju Samson going back the other way. Reports indicate that Jadeja is reportedly interested in taking the captaincy position for RR should the trade occur which would see him not only get traded, but also be a major twist to the leadership scheme in the IPL.

For the Royals, the departure of Sanju Samson, who has been a fabulous leader for the franchise over the last decade plus would leave a gaping hole in leadership. Although young prospects Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown some promise, the team is believed to prefer an experienced hand. More than ever, with Jadeja's 10 plus years IPL experience, could bring an immediate stability and aggression to the Royals as it pertains to their rebuild post split from their identity.

Notably, this would provide Jadeja with a chance to return to where it all began as he launched his IPL playing career at Rajasthan Royals (RR) under the guidance of the late Shane Warne. Warne often called him “Rockstar,” a moniker that Jadeja has maintained throughout his career. If Jadeja returns as captain of RR, it would be a symbolic mix of his returning past while facing a new leadership challenge as he enters the final stage of his career.

From CSK to RR - a legacy of love and a leadership test

While reports indicate that Jadeja would lead RR, it is important to acknowledge his legacy at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) that has been substantial. Over 186 matches for CSK, Jadeja was an instrumental part of the franchise's success story as he always came through in clutch situations with bat or ball while earning the undying fandom behind him and MS Dhoni.

Although Jadeja had a short stint as captain last season in 2022 for CSK, it did not work out as well as both parties hoped with only two wins in eight matches. However, RR is possibly looking to Jadeja as a captain and he has a wonderful chance to redeem himself - to show the league and fans that he can captain, while mentoring and leading a group of young and dynamic players as RR embarks on a new chapter of dominance in the IPL.

‘Maybe it was his call…’- RCB great questions Rahul Dravid’s sudden Rajasthan Royals exit before IPL 2026

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 14:46:40 GMT

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru star AB de Villiers recently expressed curiosity about Rahul Dravid’s sudden exit from Rajasthan Royals, questioning whether there might have been any discontent between the two parties. His comments drew attention as Dravid’s sudden exit turned into a surprising twist in the IPL.

Rahul Dravid had joined Rajasthan Royals as head coach ahead of the 2025 IPL season on a multi-year agreement. With his immense coaching experience and stature as one of India’s most respected cricketing minds, the move was seen as a major boost for the franchise, raising hopes of long-term progress and stability.

However, Rajasthan Royals announced Dravid’s exit after just one season. The official statement revealed that the franchise had offered him a “broader role” within their structure, but the former Indian coach turned it down. This decision left fans and cricket experts speculating about the real reasons behind his brief stint.

AB de Villiers Expresses Curiosity About Rahul Dravid’s Sudden Exit:

The first-ever IPL champions had a disappointing campaign this season, managing just four victories from 14 matches and ending ninth on the table. Reflecting on Rahul Dravid’s unexpected exit from Rajasthan Royals, AB de Villiers shared his thoughts on the matter during a discussion on his YouTube channel, sparking curiosity among fans.

ABD said, “ It sounds to me like it was an owner's call, a management kind of call. They gave him an option to have a broader role in the team, which he turned down. Maybe he was upset and he wanted to still be involved in that dugout.”

He further said, “ Maybe it was his call. But Rahul leaves big footsteps behind and big shoes to fill. He is a larger than life kind of character and knows a lot about the game. I personally have spoken to youngsters before, where many speak about him having a huge influence in their careers.”

He added, “ The coaches and managers in leagues are under pressure to produce results and win trophies. Once they don't, they start hearing from owners. We don't know the facts but given he turned down the other role, maybe he was kicked out, which is never ideal. But maybe Rajasthan have different ideas for the upcoming season. Maybe they want to shake things up a bit and move forward.”

Rahul Dravid led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup win before joining Rajasthan Royals. His move to the IPL franchise came soon after achieving international success, raising expectations for a strong impact in the league.

RR’s 2025 IPL Auction Didn’t Impress Former RCB Player:

AB de Villiers raised questions about Rajasthan Royals’ decisions both before and during the IPL 2025 auction, particularly after the team’s poor outing in the previous season. His remarks highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s planning and strategy. Ahead of the auction, RR retained six key players — Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, and Shimron Hetmyer.

However, the franchise surprised many by parting ways with several big names, including Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal. These moves sparked debate among fans and experts about whether the Royals had taken the right approach in reshaping their squad.

He further said, “ I didn't think they had the greatest auction last time. They let go of some incredible players like Jos Buttler and a few others, which I thought was a mistake. Sometimes it's a good thing but not overly aggressive. You can let one or two go but they let a huge bulk of their team go at once. It should be more gradual.”

From 2022 to 2024, Rajasthan Royals enjoyed notable success, with Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal making significant contributions. The team reached the final in 2022, finishing as runners-up, and managed to secure a playoff spot in 2024, showcasing consistency during that cycle.

Kumar Sangakkara Likely to Join KKR Support Staff Ahead of Next Season: Report

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:10:19 GMT

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the three-time champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), are reportedly in talks with Kumar Sangakkara for a mentorship role ahead of the IPL 2026 season. KKR won the 2024 season by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final. That was also the year Gautam Gambhir, a former two-time IPL-winning KKR captain, rejoined the team as a mentor.

Sangakkara in Talks with KKR

Sources told The Telegraph that Kumar Sangakkara, who has been the director of cricket at Rajasthan Royals since 2021, has decided to leave the franchise. India’s T20 World Cup-winning head coach Rahul Dravid is set to return to the Royals ahead of the 2026 season, and former India batting coach Vikram Rathour may also join him.

Also Read -ENG vs IND 2025: 'He left the position to me...'- Karun Nair shared on-field incident with Shubman Gill

KKR already have Chandrakant Pandit as head coach, Bharat Arun as bowling coach, Abhishek Nayar as assistant coach, and Ryan ten Doeschate as fielding coach in Gautam Gambhir’s support staff. Reports say KKR are in advanced talks with Sangakkara, though he is also considering offers from other franchises. A final decision is expected soon.

🚨| It's been heard that Kumar Sangakkara has shown interest in joining KKR’s support staff.

~ Rohit Juglan pic.twitter.com/s5yRILMyY0
— Rokte Amar KKR (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) August 13, 2025

Sanju Samson Trade Talks

The BCCI is likely to announce the terms of retention for franchises this month, starting the process for the mega auction. Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson is on KKR’s radar. Reports say KKR are open to a player trade with RR — something CSK refused when asked for Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, or Shivam Dube in exchange. KKR are reportedly willing to offer young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi or Ramandeep Singh to secure Samson.

Sanju Samson set to stay with Rajasthan Royals for IPL 2026 despite CSK, KKR transfer buzz

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:21:44 GMT

Sanju Samson is set to stay with the Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026, and the question marks over a potential trade to either the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) or, perhaps, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) can be put to bed once and for all. The franchise has no intention of transferring their star wicketkeeper-batter, and he remains an important part of their plans moving forward.

There was a lot of commotion on social media during the IPL trade window, which began to grow rapidly after the Rajasthan Royals' disappointing 2025 campaign. This noise was added due to the fact that Samson missed a lot of the season due to injury and only played nine matches, hitting 285 runs, with the only fifty being a dubious fifty. Not helping matters was that Rajasthan finished ninth on the table, and junior teammate Vaibhav Suryavanshi had a strong season on debut, which led to speculation that a leadership change could be imminent.

However, a source close to the franchise has dismissed these reports, saying, “RR has decided not to trade Samson or any of their players for now. Samson is very much a part of the Royals' set-up and the undisputed captain of the team.” This statement comes amid reports that CSK, who also had a dismal 2025 season, were looking to bring in Samson as a long-term replacement in their leadership group.

ALSO SEE: Afghanistan announce preliminary squad for Tri-series and Asia Cup 2025

Samju Samson Dismisses Transfer Speculation, Set to Lead RR as Captain in IPL 2026

Samson's response to the speculation was minimal but spoke volumes. "Onnum parayanilla" was the simple answer from the 30-year-old when asked about possibly signing with CSK. Translated from Malayalam, this means "I have nothing to say."

Samson has a long history with the Royals, having first signed with them in 2013. Apart from the 2 seasons that RR were suspended (2016-17), he has remained loyal to them and has scored over 4000 runs in the pink uniform. Now that this has been cleared up, all RR fans can hope to see their captain lead them into the battle yet again in 2026, and hopefully, both Samson and the team will rebound from a disappointing season last year.

SL vs BAN 2025: RR star player ruled out of Bangladesh T20Is with hamstring injury

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:36:22 GMT

Sri Lanka has been dealt a major blow ahead of their home T20I series against Bangladesh, as star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The leg-spinner sustained the injury during the recently concluded ODI series but still featured in the final match, where he picked up two wickets and scored a useful unbeaten 14. However, despite undergoing MRI scans, Hasaranga is not expected to recover in time for the T20Is, starting July 10 in Kandy.

Hasaranga’s absence leaves a significant void in Sri Lanka’s lineup. A proven match-winner in the shortest format, he has played 79 T20Is, taking 131 wickets at an economy of under seven, while also contributing over 700 runs with the bat. His deceptive variations, especially the googly and quicker ones, make him a constant threat, particularly on spin-friendly Sri Lankan pitches. Against Bangladesh, he has six wickets in just four T20I innings.

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Sri Lanka Look to Fill Hasaranga Void as T20I Series Against Bangladesh Begins

The timing of his injury couldn’t be worse for the hosts, who were hoping to carry momentum from their 2-1 ODI series win. Sri Lanka started that series with a dominant 77-run victory, slipped in the second match, but bounced back in style to win the decider by 99 runs in Pallekele. Kusal Mendis starred with a century, while skipper Charith Asalanka also contributed a fifty. The bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando and Dushmantha Chameera, made light work of the Bangladesh batting in the final ODI.

The T20I series kicks off on July 10 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. The second match is scheduled for July 13 in Dambulla, followed by the third and final game on July 16 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

With Hasaranga out, Sri Lanka may look towards young leg-spinner Dunith Wellalage or an extra seamer, depending on the conditions. But replacing a player of Hasaranga’s all-round calibre will not be easy, and his absence could tilt the balance slightly in Bangladesh’s favour.

Yashasvi Jaiswal revised his caption to put end to false narratives after his latest Instragram post

Thu, 22 May 2025 13:29:44 GMT

Yashasvi Jaiswal went quietly about putting an end to speculation regarding his future with the Rajasthan Royals, not by a press statement, but in a few carefully selected words on Instagram. It started with a heartfelt post following the Royals' exit from IPL 2025. Jaiswal had written: "Thank you, Rajasthan Royals, for everything. Not the season we hoped for, but grateful for the journey."

Although the message was one of thanksgiving, it bred speculation among the fans and the media. Specifically, the line "grateful for the journey" raised alarm, as many saw it as a potential goodbye to the franchise, particularly after a dismal conclusion to the Royals' season.

Jaiswal's caption change calms fears of the supporters, suggesting unrelenting Royals' commitment and loyalty to their India duty

Seeing the emergence of false news, Jaiswal revised his caption and, with that, cleared the air. The revised caption is now: "Thanks, Rajasthan Royals, for it all. Not the campaign we had in mind, but still thankful for our time together. On to the next one and whatever comes next."

ALSO SEE: Australian all-rounder shares witty take on his IPL rivalry with RCB

Two subtle but significant changes were notable. One, "grateful for the journey" was replaced by "grateful for our time together," a change that highlighted his affiliation with the franchise. Two, the inclusion of the Indian flag emoji following "on to the next one" signified that his priority of choice now is playing for the national team, not jumping between IPL franchises.

The transition, though subtle as it was, came as a relief to fans who had feared a sudden departure. Jaiswal's maturity and tact in managing the incident without fanfare and drama were well appreciated by fans. At 23, Jaiswal is still proving himself on and off the pitch. Having got the IPL out of the way, his focus now shifts to national duty, and if his confidence and composure are anything to go by, India is in for a treat. Jaiswal is not leaving anytime soon. True Blue to the Royals. Set for whatever comes next in India blue.

Bad news for RR and CSK: Star players will miss IPL 2025

Wed, 14 May 2025 23:31:41 GMT

Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were dealt a hard blow before IPL 2025 resumes on May 17. RR's ace pacer Jofra Archer, who was going to play the last two league matches, has been ruled out with a new injury, shattering hopes of his availability for the tournament. On the other hand, CSK's ace all-rounder Sam Curran has decided not to return to India; the team is already eliminated from the playoff race, currently placed in 10th position with 6 points from 12 matches.

The IPL was postponed for a week on May 9 when tensions between Pakistan and India escalated, resulting in air raid alerts during a Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala. A May 10 ceasefire relieved pressure, and the BCCI moved to reschedule the tournament with the final then fixed for June 3. But the teams are still dealing with the fallout of the no-shows caused by injuries and national duties, notably to vital overseas players Archer and Curran, affecting especially RR, at 9th place with 6 points, and CSK as they run through the balance of matches.

For RR, Archer's injury is a significant blow since he was meant to strengthen their bowling attack in the pivotal latter part of the tournament. An RR official confirmed that Archer will not be taking any more part in the IPL, although there's no indication of an interim replacement. CSK has opted not to apply for a replacement for Curran because of his ongoing injury and the need to focus on getting him fit rather than on a return, with them now out of playoff contention.

Uncertainty Surrounds Other English Players

The report further points out that a number of English players, such as Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, and Liam Livingstone, are heading back to India for the resumption of the IPL. Yet, their presence in the playoff stage is uncertain owing to national obligations, namely England's white-ball series against the West Indies from May 23, which conflicts with the latter stages of the IPL.

Also Read: WATCH: Dwayne Bravo shares video of West Indian player touchdown in India for IPL 2025

Also hanging in the balance is the availability of RCB's explosive opener Phil Salt, for whom the participation is still unclear, although other English players are back on the field. RCB, placed 2nd with 16 points from 11 games, will be hoping to get confirmation about Salt's availability as they seek to win their maiden IPL trophy for this delayed season.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi – The New Sultan of Sixes in IPL 2025!

Sun, 11 May 2025 11:07:08 GMT

In a season dominated by big batting performances, it's explosive and talented Vaibhav Suryavanshi who has emerged as the most effective six-hitter of IPL 2025. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Suryavanshi has shown an incredible balls-per-six ratio of only 4.63, the highest in the tournament among batsmen having a minimum of 10 sixes. The 21-year-old phenom hit 16 sixes in 74 balls, declaring himself to be one of the most threatening finishers in the league this year.

Lying second to him in the ranking are some names who have become known in the game of T20 cricket. West Indian left-hander Nicholas Pooran, representing Lucknow Super Giants, is ranked second with 6.00 balls per six, having slammed 34 sixes in 204 balls. Next in the queue is Abdul Samad, representing Sunrisers Hyderabad with a ranking of 6.14, demonstrating his power with 14 sixes in 86 balls. Such statistics highlight the supremacy of Suryavanshi over a few of the game's biggest explosive hitters.

Even hard-hitters like Tim David (6.86) and Andre Russell (7.21), known for their big-hitting capabilities, fall behind the young Indian talent. With just a handful of games under his belt, Suryavanshi’s consistency and fearlessness against pace and spin have been impressive. His ability to clear the boundary regularly with minimal dot balls is what sets him apart.

Young sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi tops IPL 2025 with the best balls-per-six ratio with 4.63.#vaibhavsuryavanshi pic.twitter.com/0kQzkSSAoP
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) May 11, 2025

Also read:

A Rising Star in the Making

Suryavanshi’s emergence has brought a new spark to Rajasthan Royals' batting line-up. Often used as a floater, he has consistently provided late-innings firepower, turning tight games in his team's favor. His clean hitting, especially against spinners in the middle overs, has drawn comparisons to Indian greats like Yusuf Pathan and Hardik Pandya during their prime.

As the IPL progresses into its crucial final weeks, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching if the youngster can maintain his red-hot form. With India’s T20 squad soon to be announced for the World Cup later this year, there’s already buzz that Suryavanshi might find a spot as a surprise package.

His IPL 2025 showing proves that a new six-hitting superstar may just be on the rise.