Rajasthan Royals announced their list of retained players for the IPL 2026 season, reinforcing a strong core of Indian talent alongside experienced overseas performers.
The retained Indian group features Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shubham Dubey, Yudhvir Singh, Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande, reflecting the team’s continued belief in its domestic core.
The Royals have also retained a powerful overseas contingent, including batters Shimron Hetmyer and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, world-class pacer Jofra Archer, South African quicks Kwena Maphaka and Nandre Burger.
A total of 13 players - eight Indians and five overseas - were retained by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
In addition, the franchise has strengthened its squad through key trades, welcoming Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran and Donovan Ferreira ahead of the new season.
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Speaking on the squad post-retention announcement, Kumar Sangakkara, Director of Cricket, said: “We are very pleased with the balance and depth of the squad following our retentions and key trades going into 2026.
“We’ve retained a core that understands our environment and plays the brand of cricket we believe in. The additions of Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, and Donovan Ferreira further strengthen us across most phases of the game.
“We also want to extend our gratitude to the players not retained in this cycle, and we look forward to the possibilities that the auction may bring.”
The franchise also confirms the release of Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazal Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
Rajasthan Royals will share further updates on the full squad composition following the upcoming IPL auction.
Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 retained players
Dhruv Jurel (wk), Jofra Archer, Kwena Maphaka, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nandre Burger, Riyan Parag, Sandeep Sharma, Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Tushar Deshpande, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Yudhvir Singh.
