Rajasthan Royals SWOT for IPL 2026: Power-hitting biggest plus, other departments look underwhelming

RR had a horrendous IPL 2025 season, where they finished 9th, winning only 4 from 14 matches played. Since then a few things have changed for the franchise. Sanju Samson has been traded to CSK, while Ravindra Jadeja is coming back to the side after a long time. They made a few purchases at the IPL auction, but none high-profile, that really raise a few questions, if they will be effective this season or not.

Now, has been named the skipper and has a few senior members in his side to make amends in IPL 2026. More importantly, a few in-form, players are in the ranks too. Insidesport takes a look at the team’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

What are RR’s strengths for IPL 2026?

Better power-hitting resources: Batting, that too power-hitting has to be their biggest strength. They have Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who went on to smash second fastest ton in the IPL history. Then there is India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shirmron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag as well. For the record, Hetty scored 248 runs in 7 matches at an average of 41 in the recent T20 World Cup.

Jurel, meanwhile was excellent in the last season, where he scored 333 runs in 14 matches. So, that would be a big plus for them.

Spin bowling: Spin is something, that looks sorted for the team as well. Jadeja of course comes in, who if not picking wickets, can be miserly. The team bought Ravi Bishnoi for 7.2 Cr and is former world no. 1. Vignesh Puthur, who impressed in his first season with MI, could trouble the opposition batters as well.

What are RR’s weaknesses for IPL 2026?

Absence of good pacers, stars and all-rounders: One has to admit, the pace bowling reserves, and the all-rounders and presence of big stars; all these could pose problems to the team. There is Jofra Archer, Adam Milne in the team, and so is Maphaka, but the team won’t be able to play all foreign pacers. The Indian pace resources might not be the best in Tushar Deshpande and Yudhvir Singh Charak.

As for all-rounders, there is Riyan Parag, Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira, and then no one else. The team of course has a lot of upcoming talent, but then established stars might be missed.What are the opportunities for CSK in IPL 2026?

What are the opportunities for RR in IPL 2026?

The young unit; on one hand, it can be a handicap, but on the other, it is a great chance for the unit to come good. If they prove their mettle, they can serve the team for a long time. In the 2008 season, where they lifted the trophy, they didn’t have the big names with them, but still won the championship.

What are the threats for RR at IPL 2026?

Once again, a very young unit. If they lose a few early matches, they would feel the heat, and could get into a shell. They have an arduous task of changing history and lift the cup for the second time. They really need the youngsters to step up, or else, their fate could be similar as last year.

RR full squad IPL 2026

Shubham Dubey, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger. Traded in: Ravindra Jadeja (from CSK), ~~Sam Curran (from CSK)~~, Donovan Ferreira (from DC), Ravi Bishnoi (7.20 cr), Ravi Singh (95 L), Sushant Mishra (90 L), Vignesh Puthur (30 L), Yash Raj Punja (30 L), Aman Rao (30 L), Brijesh Sharma (30 L), Kuldeep Sen (75 L), Adam Milne (2.40 cr)

RR full schedule

Match	Date	Day	Home	Away	Venue	Time
3	30/03/26	Mon	Rajasthan Royals	Chennai Super Kings	Guwahati	19:30
9	04/04/26	Sat	Gujarat Titans	Rajasthan Royals	Ahmedabad	19:30
13	07/04/26	Tue	Rajasthan Royals	Mumbai Indians	Guwahati	19:30
16	10/04/26	Fri	Rajasthan Royals	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Guwahati	19:30