As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, speculation is already mounting around squad reshuffles. Rajasthan Royals — a franchise known for smart drafts and bold moves — could look to free up budget and overseas slots by trading a few big names. Here are three players who could realistically be moved before the next auction and why.
The Indian Premier League’s trade window and mini-auction cycles often force teams to make tough decisions. For Rajasthan Royals (RR), balancing a competitive playing XI with salary cap constraints and overseas quotas will be a top priority ahead of IPL 2026. While fans always hope for stability, pragmatic roster changes can power a stronger long-term strategy. Below we examine three players who are being discussed widely in the market — why RR might trade them, what the franchise could gain, and how each player fits into the larger IPL puzzle.
As the IPL 2026 auction approaches, speculation and reports suggest that Rajasthan Royals might be looking to trade a few players to re-balance their squad.
The player most prominently mentioned in trade rumors is their captain:
1. Sanju Samson — Leadership, form and salary questions
Sanju Samson has been the face of Rajasthan Royals for years, often serving as captain and the team’s premier wicketkeeper-batter. His flair and match-winning ability are undeniable, yet captaincy responsibilities, inconsistency at the top of the order at times, and a significant wage bill make him a logical candidate for trade talk.
Why RR might trade him: Trading Samson could free up a major chunk of the salary cap, allowing RR to rebuild other areas — especially overseas depth and all-round options. If the management decides a new captaincy direction is needed, moving Samson could be part of a broader structural reset.
What Samson offers prospective buyers: He brings experience, finishing skills, and strong leadership credentials. Any team seeking a high-calibre Indian wicketkeeper batter would view Samson as a premium acquisition despite form fluctuations.
2. Wanindu Hasaranga — Overseas class vs. budget pressure
Wanindu Hasaranga is a high-quality leg-spinner who also contributes handy lower-order runs. Leg-spin is a premium T20 skill and Hasaranga’s ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs makes him extremely valuable. However, his status as an overseas player means he occupies one of the limited international slots in the XI — and if RR want to reallocate overseas resources to top-order batsmen or a frontline pacer, Hasaranga could be moved.
Why RR might trade him: The combination of his auction price and overseas slot creates tradeable value. If RR need flexibility to sign multiple overseas attackers or fast bowlers who complement local resources, selling or trading Hasaranga could be a strategic choice.
Buyer appeal: For franchises that prioritise spin variety and middle-over control, Hasaranga is a direct upgrade. Teams that play in spin-friendly conditions or those lacking an attacking leg-spinner will likely show interest.
3. Shimron Hetmyer — Big-money buy, inconsistent returns
Shimron Hetmyer has been one of those big-ticket overseas signings in the IPL ecosystem. Known for powerful hitting and match-turning knocks, Hetmyer’s inconsistency — especially in adapting roles across leagues — sometimes diminishes his on-field value relative to his price.
Why RR might trade him: Trading Hetmyer would free up an overseas slot and reduce financial overhead. If RR are targeting a different style of middle-order hitter (e.g., someone who rotates strike more or plays a specific matchup role), moving Hetmyer allows that swap without exhausting the purse.
Buyer appeal: Franchise teams that crave raw power in the late overs and have a stable supporting cast to enable Hetmyer to play his natural game would likely pursue him aggressively.
Possible trade scenarios & squad implications 🏏
It’s important to view trades not as end goals but as tactical steps toward a larger squad plan. Here are plausible scenarios RR might pursue:
- Trade in exchange for young Indian talent: Moving a senior or expensive player for multiple domestic youngsters helps ensure long-term depth and home-grown bench strength.
- Swap for specialised overseas skills: If RR want a power hitter or a frontline pacer, they could use Hasaranga/Hetmyer as bargaining chips to secure that specialist.
- Salary cap rebalancing: Trade to free purse space for a marquee buy in the IPL auction — sometimes a single change makes an expensive auction pick possible.
Quick comparison table
| Player | Primary role | Why RR might trade | What buyers get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper-batter / Leader | High wage, captaincy rethink, squad balance | Experienced Indian keeper, leadership & finishing |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Leg-spinner / All-rounder | Overseas slot pressure, budget reallocation | Attacking leg-spin, middle-over breakthroughs |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Middle-order power-hitter | Inconsistent returns vs high price | Explosive late-overs hitting potential |
How trades change the IPL 2026 auction approach ⁉️
Trades before auction set the tone for the purse strategy. If RR move one or more of the players above, they can pivot to:
- Target differential skills (e.g., seam depth, left-arm pace, specialist death bowlers).
- Retain more domestic talent during the retention deadline and pursue high-value buys later with freed budget.
- Use trade-acquired players as bargaining chips in the auction for package deals (sign player A to draw interest then bid strategically).
Fan reaction & club identity considerations 😰
Trading a fan favourite is always sensitive. Sanju Samson and other established stars have emotional value beyond runs or wickets. The Royals’ management must weigh short-term tactical gains against long-term fan trust and brand identity. Smart franchises often accompany tough decisions with clear communication about the team’s vision and the incoming plan.
Conclusion 📣
Rajasthan Royals face choices that could reshape their IPL 2026 strategy. Trading Sanju Samson, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Shimron Hetmyer is not just about offloading salaries — it’s about rebalancing the squad for flexibility, matching tactical needs, and building a team designed to win the long game. Whether the Royals actually move any of these players will depend on market interest, the trade returns on offer, and the franchise’s appetite for change. One thing is certain: the lead-up to the IPL 2026 auction will be full of intriguing chess moves.
