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IPL 2026: Released players Rajasthan Royals can buy as X-factors during mini auction

Sakshi Sharma

Rajasthan Royals and Ravi Bishnoi (Source: AFP)Rajasthan Royals and Ravi Bishnoi (Source: AFP)

After finishing ninth in the 2025 season, the Rajasthan Royals opted for an overhaul, releasing multiple players and executing big trades. The biggest of them all was the departure of Sanju Samson, who joined the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for the upcoming season. In return, Rajasthan acquired Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. 

Heading into IPL 2026, RR will want to maximise on their remaining purse of INR 16.05 crore. With nine slots still open, including just one overseas slot, smart decision-making will define their next season.

In the retention list, RR decided to part ways with Sanju Samson and Nitish Rana. In the spin department, the franchise decided to release Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Kumar Kartikeya. Having said this, in this article, let's take a look at the three smart targets RR could go from the released players in the IPL 2026 mini auction.

1. Ravi Bishnoi (Released by LSG)

Category
Data
Innings (Inns)76
Wickets
72
Economy8.21

(Ravi Bishnoi’s IPL stats)

  • With Jadeja now the only specialist spinner in the squad, the Rajasthan-based franchise need more players in the spin department. Ahead of the upcoming season, RR decided to release Hasaranga, Theekshana, and Kartikeya, and this clearly means that RR want to invest in an spinner. And considering this RR can target Ravi Bishnoi.
  • The young leg-spinner was released by LSG and fits perfectly into RR’s needs: Indian spinner, economical, and impactful. If RR can get Ravi Bishnoi he can support Jadeja well without consuming a massive chunk of their small purse. 
  • Even though his economy was on the higher side last season, his wicket-taking ability and age advantage (25 years) make him one of the most logical spin options RR can target.

2. Abhinav Manohar (released by SRH)

Category
Data
Matches50
Runs
790
Strike rate143.63
Average28.21

(Abhinav Manohar’s T20 career stats)

  • With Nitish Rana traded to DC and Sanju Samson to CSK, RR may find themselves short of a stable, Indian middle-order batter. They have firepower openers in form of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi with Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, and Shimron Hetmyer in the middle, but however the fact cannot be denied that the team lack experience anchor to hold the innings together.
  • So in order to add stability in the middle-order that can get Abhinav Manohar. He can be a reliable, cost-effective Indian option who can absorb pressure and rotate strike for RR in the middle order.

3. Liam Livingstone (released by RCB)

Category
Data
Innings
7
Runs
260
Strike rate176.87
Average52.00

(Liam Livingstone's T20 Blast 2025 stats)

  • Rajasthan Royals have only one overseas slot left, which forces them to choose wisely. They could use it for a backup opener, or go bold with a power-hitting all-rounder. If the go for an all-rounder, one name that can pick is Liam Livingstone (released by RCB after an underwhelming season).
  • RR's thin middle-order and lack of spin depth make him an excellent fit. Given RR’s lack of overseas hitters after their squad overhaul, Livingstone offers a rare blend of experience and explosiveness, making him a potential game-changer if bought at the right price.
  • Liam Livingstone's current form also backs him. In the T20 Blast 2025, the all-rounder has played 7 innings and made 260 runs. In The Hundred 2025, the England star has made 241 runs in 8 innings at a strike-rate of 155.48.