Rajasthan Royals will enter IPL 2026 with a major change in their squad. Long-time player and former captain Sanju Samson is no longer part of the team after spending 11 years with the franchise.
Riyan Parag recently spoke about the challenge of moving forward without Samson and explained how the team plans to adapt for the new season.
Sanju Samson Cannot Be Replaced, Says Parag
Riyan Parag admitted that replacing Sanju Samson will not be easy for Rajasthan Royals.
During a media interaction, Parag said Samson’s playing style and leadership were unique. According to him, trying to replace Samson would be similar to asking who could replace Virat Kohli.
Parag explained that every player in the squad understands how important Samson was to the team. However, he also said the focus now is on moving forward and building a new approach for IPL 2026.
Learning From Last Season’s Mistakes
Parag also spoke about the lessons Rajasthan Royals learned from the previous IPL season.
He said the team reviewed several matches where they struggled to finish games. In many situations, Rajasthan Royals were close to winning but lost in the final overs.
The team management has analyzed those moments and is working to improve decision-making during pressure situations.
Key Areas RR Wants to Improve
| Focus Area | Objective |
|---|---|
| Finishing matches | Convert close games into wins |
| Batting approach | Play with more freedom in key moments |
| Tactical decisions | Make better choices during pressure situations |
The goal for IPL 2026 is to perform better in crucial stages of matches and avoid repeating the mistakes of the previous season.
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Rajasthan Royals Strategy at the IPL 2026 Auction
Parag also discussed the team’s strategy during the IPL 2026 auction.
According to him, Rajasthan Royals focused on signing several all-rounders to give the team more flexibility.
All-round players can contribute with both bat and ball, which allows the team to adjust their tactics depending on match situations.
Why RR Wanted More All-Rounders
| Advantage | Impact on Team |
|---|---|
| Batting and bowling ability | More balance in the playing XI |
| Tactical flexibility | Ability to adjust plans during matches |
| Extra depth | Backup options in different situations |
Parag said the management believes these versatile players will help Rajasthan Royals adapt better during games.
Rajasthan Royals Squad for IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals have built a squad that includes experienced international players and promising young talents.
RR Full Squad – IPL 2026
| Players |
|---|
| Ravindra Jadeja |
| Sam Curran |
| Donovan Ferreira |
| Sandeep Sharma |
| Shubham Dubey |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi |
| Lhuan-Dre Pretorius |
| Shimron Hetmyer |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| Dhruv Jurel |
| Riyan Parag |
| Yudhvir Singh Charak |
| Jofra Archer |
| Tushar Deshpande |
| Kwena Maphaka |
| Nandre Burger |
| Ravi Bishnoi |
| Sushant Mishra |
| Yash Raj Punja |
| Vignesh Puthur |
| Ravi Singh |
| Aman Rao |
| Brijesh Sharma |
| Adam Milne |
| Kuldeep Sen |
The squad includes several international stars along with emerging Indian players who will aim to deliver strong performances in the new season.
Rajasthan Royals will have to adjust quickly without Sanju Samson, who was one of the most consistent players for the franchise.
The team hopes that players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag and other senior members can take more responsibility.
With a balanced squad and new tactical plans, Rajasthan Royals will aim to compete strongly when IPL 2026 begins.
