Rajasthan Royals | IPL 2026: Strengths, fault lines and the Riyan Parag test

Rajasthan Royals enter IPL 2026 in unfamiliar territory. For the first time, they will take the field without Sanju Samson, the long‑time face of the franchise. The baton now passes to Riyan Parag, whose captaincy will be under close scrutiny. Parag’s tactical nous and consistency with the bat will be central to Rajasthan’s hopes of staying competitive in a season of transition.

Strengths

Explosive openers 

Royals' biggest asset lies at the top of the order. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has emerged as one of the most destructive openers in domestic T20s, amassing 701 runs in 18 matches at a staggering strike rate of 202.37, including three centuries. Alongside him, Yashasvi Jaiswal provides experience and reliability. 

Jaiswal’s record: 3682 T20 runs at 152.27, with four hundreds and 23 fifties, underlines his pedigree. His IPL numbers are equally impressive, with 2166 runs at 152.85, including two centuries. Together, they form a left‑handed opening pair capable of setting the tempo and dismantling attacks in the powerplay.

Spin attack 

The addition of Ravindra Jadeja has significantly strengthened Rajasthan’s spin department. Jadeja, with 170 IPL wickets at 7.67, brings control, experience, and the ability to choke runs in the middle overs. His presence also allows Ravi Bishnoi to operate with greater freedom. 

Bishnoi, already rated among India’s premier leg‑spinners, has 72 wickets in 77 IPL matches and was trusted as Washington Sundar’s replacement in the T20I series against New Zealand before the T20 World Cup. A Jadeja‑Bishnoi axis gives Rajasthan a potent spin combination that can exploit conditions across venues.

Weaknesses

Dearth of finishers 

The Royals’ middle and lower order lacks proven finishing options. Jadeja is expected to shoulder much of the responsibility, but beyond him, the options are untested. Donovan Ferreira has yet to establish himself in the role, while Shimron Hetmyer arrives having batted at No. 3 for West Indies in the T20 World Cup, rather than as a designated finisher. This leaves Rajasthan vulnerable in tight chases and at the death, where specialist finishing skills are often decisive.

Bowling depth 

While the spin unit looks strong, the pace attack lacks depth. Beyond frontline options, Rajasthan do not possess a wide pool of seamers capable of adapting to varied conditions. Injuries or loss of form to seamers like Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger could expose this thin layer, especially in a tournament as demanding as the IPL.

Opportunities

Riyan Parag’s leadership

Parag has long been a polarising figure, but his recent performances suggest maturity and composure. This season offers him a chance to shape perceptions. Leading Rajasthan for the first time in a full campaign, Parag can establish himself as both a tactical leader and a dependable batter. A successful season would not only enhance his value but also silence critics who have questioned his temperament and commitment.

Threats

Over‑reliance on openers 

Opposition teams are well aware of Rajasthan’s dependence on Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi. Plans will be tailored to neutralise them early, with right‑arm off‑spinners likely deployed to exploit their left‑handedness, a tactic that proved effective against Abhishek Sharma in the T20 World Cup. If the openers are contained, Rajasthan’s middle order may struggle to sustain momentum, leaving them exposed.