IPL Auction 2026: Rajasthan Royals Close to Balanced Squad After Strategic Trades

The Rajasthan Royals are heading into the IPL Auction 2026 with a well-defined strategy. This follows a significant trade that saw Sanju Samson exchanged for all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. The move aims to correct a structural imbalance that has plagued the team, with the goal of strengthening the batting lineup through the eighth position without weakening the bowling attack.

To complete their envisioned balanced XI, the Royals are also looking to add a frontline Indian spinner and another pace bowler.

The Royals' path to the IPL Auction 2026 has been marked by considerable change. After a strong third-place finish in 2024, the team suffered a disappointing season this year. This period also saw Rahul Dravid replace Kumar Sangakkara as head coach, only to then be replaced by Sangakkara again. Despite the upheaval, these moves suggest the Rajasthan Royals may be on the verge of resolving a core issue within their team composition.

The trade window clearly illustrated this ambition. Trading Sanju Samson – their captain, most experienced player, highest run-scorer, and a long-standing symbol of the franchise – was a major decision. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. from a squad construction perspective, it was also a carefully considered one. The Royals didn't simply trade Samson to Chennai Super Kings; they effectively converted one INR 18 crore player into two all-rounders.