3 players RR must target at the IPL 2026 auction ft. Rahul Chahar

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been active in the trade market ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. After a disappointing campaign where they were never really in the hunt for the playoffs, the inaugural IPL champions clearly mean business.

Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana have been traded away, while Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira have joined the franchise. The trades make a lot of sense, and the Royals now have only a couple of holes to address at the auction on Tuesday, December 16.

Players released: Sanju Samson (traded to CSK), Nitish Rana (traded to DC), Akash Madhwal, Ashok Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kumar Kartikeya, Kunal Singh Rathore, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga

Players retained: Donovan Ferreira (traded in from DC), Ravindra Jadeja (traded in from CSK), Sam Curran (traded in from CSK), Dhruv Jurel, 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

On that note, here are three players RR must target at the IPL 2026 auction.

---

#3 Rahul Chahar

IPL Qualifier - Mumbai v Chennai - Source: Getty

It's clear that RR need a spinner. Without a real wrist-spinner option in their ranks following the release of Wanindu Hasaranga, the franchise could turn to Rahul Chahar.

Chahar's IPL form has been dismal in the last few years, with his ability to take wickets coming under question. However, he is among the more proven options available in the auction pool, and Royals might have to make something work. Unless, of course, they can afford...

---

#2 Ravi Bishnoi

2025 IPL - Lucknow Super Giants v Delhi Capitals - Source: Getty

Ravi Bishnoi would probably be RR's prime target at the IPL 2026 auction. The leg-spinner will be in high demand, with teams like the SunRisers Hyderabad vying for his services as well. But given that Rajasthan have most of their playing XII sorted, they can afford to splurge on him.

A player with immense ability, Bishnoi will be eager to set the record straight after a couple of indifferent campaigns. His defensive lengths and speeds would be useful at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, with his skiddy nature likely to be tough to get away.

---

#1 Sushant Mishra

Super League Final - ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 - Source: Getty

RR need some reinforcements in the domestic pace department. While they have overseas left-armer options in Kwena Maphaka and Nandre Burger, they could use an Indian alternative as well.

Sushant Mishra has been one of the most impressive bowlers in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The young quick has cranked up the speeds and also got the ball to move around, with a significant wicket haul indicating that he's close to making the step up to the senior level.

Mishra would compete with the likes of Tushar Deshpande and Sandeep Sharma for a spot in the side. And that's a battle he has every chance of winning.