The Rajasthan Royals’ IPL season in 2025 was one to forget. It was an arduous journey for the franchise as the team finished in ninth place, leaving Royal supporters confused and analysts guessing what went wrong. Players who were brought in for big money arrived, and the team never really looked like a playoff contender. By clearing budget restrictions through the release of underperforming players, rebuilding a squad that hopefully can contend at the top will be a possibility. Current changes are needed so that RR can return stronger next season. Now, we can get to the point and take an in-depth look at the three players who are in danger of packing their bags before the next IPL starts.
Maheesh Theekshana
Theekshana came in at ₹4.4 crore but could only grab 11 wickets in 11 matches, conceding runs at almost 9.8 an over. It was easy to see why he and fellow Sri Lankan Wanindu Hasaranga couldn’t be the Royals’ answer to the spin-bowling department. Theekshana has talent for sure. He can bowl in different phases, which is valuable, but to be successful in the IPL, you need to be consistent, have variations, and that little bit of crafty cunning to bewitch the best batsmen in the world. At the moment, Theekshana is not consistently performing to a high enough level to justify a big contract, and perhaps letting him go could free up some funds for a more valuable overseas player or a good domestic player.
Fazalhaq Farooqi
Fazalhaq Farooqi struggled to find his rhythm in IPL 2025, failing to make a notable impact with the ball. Playing just five matches, he went wicketless and conceded runs at an alarming rate of 12.35 per over. While he isn’t an expensive player, RR has already invested in two promising overseas left-arm pacers—Nandre Burger and Kwena Maphaka. Maphaka’s talent is hard to ignore, making him RR’s likely go-to choice over Farooqi. Sometimes it’s not about talent but timing, and for Farooqi, the 2026 auction could be the moment RR decides to part ways and let other franchises explore his raw skills.
Tushar Deshpande
In past seasons, Tushar Deshpande has been a dependable domestic bowler, but IPL 2025 was an entirely different story for him. The seamer took just nine wickets in 10 games and leaked runs at an economy rate of 10.63 – considering that RR spent ₹6.5 crore on him, it is hard to see why the team would continue to employ him with a tight budget and limited resources. Deshpande does not have a genuine skill that can win matches at crucial moments, and his age doesn’t enable him with great future upside that franchises often desire when retaining players. If prices were to drop, there is nothing wrong with buying him back, but releasing him represents the best alternative for a team about to begin a rebuild and will need more diversity in its bowling options.
FAQs
- Why are the Rajasthan Royals considering releasing players before IPL 2026?
To free up budget and rebuild a more competitive squad after a disappointing 2025 season.
- Which players are most likely to be released by RR ahead of IPL 2026?
Maheesh Theekshana, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Tushar Deshpande.
- What’s the concern with Fazalhaq Farooqi?
He failed to take wickets in IPL 2025 and is competing with more promising pacers like Maphaka.
