The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is less than a week away. The teams are taking their final lap of preparation before the rich cash league begins. The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the first winners of the league in 2008, and since then, they have failed to win the league.
The last time Rajasthan qualified for the finals was back in 2022, when Sanju Samson was the captain. They have let go of their captain in a trade that comprised Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran from Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The Royals have a bunch of talent, with Riyan Parag named as the captain for the franchise.
However, they will have to go through challenges as Sam Curran has been ruled out of the IPL, and Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka is replacing him ahead of the IPL. Here, we will look at the possible players who are RR’s biggest burden in IPL 2026.
Your daily dose of cricket!
3 players who are RR’s biggest burden in IPL 2026
Riyan Parag
The captain of the Royals did not have the best of seasons last time around, scoring 393 runs, with an average of nearly 33. Riyan Parag has a responsibility in his hands with the new role as a captain. However, it is very difficult to assess whether he would have a good season with the bat.
Riyan Parag in the 2024 season was excellent with the bat, and his team finished in the playoffs as well. He finished as the third leading run getter in the tournament, scoring 573 runs. However, his form dipped in 2025, and his side also finished 9th, losing 10 games.
Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel has been a mainstay for the India National Cricket Team in Test cricket. He can play spin. Jurel has been one of the findings of the RR in the team. However, his problem has been inconsistency with 333 runs last season; his average still stands near 38, and he scored just two fifties.
The Royals have also failed to use his full ability, as he has been used as a floater in the team. However, he should not be batting below No.5, but on some occasions, he has been sent in later as well. Jurel’s consistency and the position he bats might be a big burden for the Royals in the IPL 2026.
Jofra Archer
Jofra Archer has been back with the franchise he was successful with. The England speedster was picked in IPL 2025 for a whopping INR 12.50 crore. His return to the side after one full injury season was not as expected; he picked up 11 wickets in 12 matches with an economy of 9.47 and an average of 39.18.
Archer, on his given day, can dismantle any batting line-up, but his problem has been injuries and consistency. Since his return, he has failed to deliver to his full potential and has been leaking runs, though he bowled well in the T20 World Cup 2026, but in the semi-final got smacked all around the park against India.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah out of IPL? Star pacer arrives at CoE ahead of IPL 2026
