Rajasthan Royals (RR) endured a disappointing IPL 2025 campaign, finishing near the bottom of the table and struggling in both batting and bowling departments.
With poor recruitment decisions, underperforming overseas stars, and a lack of balance in the squad, the franchise faces pressure to make bold changes ahead of IPL 2026.
Here is a look at five players RR should consider releasing before the next season.
1. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga was expected to be a game-changer with his spin and lower-order hitting, but his performance in IPL 2025 has been underwhelming.
He managed only two wickets outside of a single 4-wicket haul and failed to provide consistency in the middle overs, a phase where RR desperately needed breakthroughs.
His lack of penetration and high economy rate have made him a liability, and releasing him would open up an overseas slot for a more reliable spinner or all-rounder.
2. Maheesh Theekshana
Maheesh Theekshana was another overseas spinner who failed to deliver for RR this season.
He went wicketless in half of his games and conceded runs at nearly 10 per over, struggling to contain opposition batters or pick up timely wickets.
Theekshana’s inability to adapt to Indian conditions and his diminishing returns suggest that RR should look for a more effective spin option in the next auction.
3. Shimron Hetmyer
Shimron Hetmyer, retained after a strong 2024, could not replicate his past form in IPL 2025.
He struggled to make an impact in the middle order, which was a critical weakness for RR throughout the campaign.
With only 239 runs in 14 matches and several low scores, Hetmyer’s inconsistency hurt the team’s ability to finish games. Releasing him would allow RR to pursue a more dependable overseas batter.
4. Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel was given multiple opportunities in the middle order but failed to capitalize, contributing to RR’s flop show in that department.
His inability to anchor innings or accelerate in the death overs has exposed the lack of depth in RR’s Indian batting contingent.
Moving on from Jurel could give the team a chance to invest in a more consistent domestic performer.
5. Akash Madhwal
Akash Madhwal was brought in to bolster the pace attack but struggled to make any significant impact, especially in the crucial middle overs.
RR’s pace unit was among the least effective in the league during this phase, and Madhwal’s lack of wickets and control contributed to the team’s inability to stem the flow of runs or break partnerships.
