Rajasthan Royals 2026 SWOT: Power Batting, Struggles Elsewhere

Team Overview and Key Changes

Rajasthan Royals (RR) concluded their IPL 2025 campaign in ninth place, managing only four wins out of 14 matches. Since then, the franchise has undergone several significant changes. Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while Ravindra Jadeja made a return to the squad after an extended period away. The team also acquired several players during the auction, but the absence of key star players raises concerns about their performance this season.

The team entered IPL 2026 with a new captain and a group of experienced players aiming to enhance their overall performance. With support from players who are currently at their peak, RR is looking to build on past lessons and improve their standing in the league. Insidesport conducted an analysis of the team’s strengths and weaknesses, which revealed both potential opportunities and threats.

Strengths: Power-Hitting and Batting Lineup

One of the team’s primary strengths lies in their power-hitting capabilities. Their batting order shows great promise during high-pressure situations. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made history by scoring the second-fastest century in IPL history. Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian opener, provides consistent performances as the team’s opening batsman. Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Riyan Parag add further firepower to the lineup.

Hetmyer had a notable performance in the recent T20 World Cup, scoring 248 runs in seven matches with a batting average of 41. This form suggests he could be a key player for RR in the upcoming season.

Spin Bowling: A Solid Foundation

The spin bowling department appears to be well-covered. Ravindra Jadeja brings control and experience to the team, even if he doesn’t always take wickets. The franchise signed Ravi Bishnoi for ₹7.2 crore, and he is a former world No. 1 spinner. Vignesh Puthur, who impressed in his debut season with Mumbai Indians, can also trouble opposing batters with his skills.

Weaknesses: Lack of Fast Bowling Depth

Despite these strengths, the team faces challenges due to a lack of powerful fast bowlers and all-rounders with exceptional abilities. While Jofra Archer, Adam Milne, and Kwena Maphaka are available, they cannot all be used simultaneously. The Indian pace attack, including Tushar Deshpande and Yudhvir Singh Charak, may not offer sufficient depth to handle high-pressure situations.

All-Rounder Roles and Inexperience

The team relies heavily on Riyan Parag and Jadeja, along with Donovan Ferreira, to fill all-rounder roles. However, the lack of other options creates pressure on these players. The young squad presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the team shows potential through its younger members, their inexperience could become a problem in crucial moments.

This situation offers players the chance to showcase their abilities and build a foundation for future success. RR’s victory in the 2008 title match despite lacking star players gives hope that the current team can overcome similar challenges.

Youthful Squad and Future Prospects

RR starts the 2026 season with a highly youthful team. If they face early losses, it could lead to confidence issues. Overcoming past failures and aiming for their second championship victory will be a tough task. The success of the team will largely depend on how well their young players perform.