5 Players RR Should Target in the IPL 2026 Auction ft. Jonny Bairstow

The Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a tough IPL 2025 season, finishing ninth. It was one of their worst seasons in the last ten years. Now, the team will try to bounce back by building a stronger and more balanced squad for IPL 2026.

With the mini-auction coming up, RR will aim to fix key weaknesses and bring in players who can offer depth, experience, and flexibility. Here are five players RR might look to target before the IPL 2026 auction.

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Jonny Bairstow Wicketkeeper

Jonny Bairstow, a professional cricketer for England and the Punjab Kings, has a height of 5 ft 11 in (175 cm).

England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow could turn out to be an unexpected but very useful signing for RR. He averages 29.83 in T20Is, which shows his experience at the international level, and he has already played in the IPL before.

Bairstow is known for giving rapid starts in the powerplay, which RR lacked in IPL 2025. He can handle both spin and pace, and as a keeper he is a useful two-in-one option which offers great balance to the team.

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Will Young Batsman

New Zealand top-order batter Will Young could be a solid pick for Rajasthan. While his T20I average of 18.10 does not fully reflect his potential, Young has shown remarkable consistency in the other two formats. He has the temperament to anchor the innings and play responsible knocks when early wickets fall.

RR could use him either as an opener alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal or as a stabilising presence at No. 3. His ability to rotate strike and accelerate later in the innings makes him a valuable top-order option.

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Baba Aparajith Batting Allrounder

Indian domestic cricketer Baba Aparajith could be a smart, under-the-radar pick for RR. A reliable all-rounder, Aparajith has scored at an average of 27.30 in 53 innings and claimed 17 wickets in 28 innings in T20s.

He is known for his composure under pressure, and can play the role of a middle-order anchor when early wickets tumble. Additionally, his handy spin can prove useful on turning tracks, offering RR a flexible option who contributes with both bat and ball.

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Sarfaraz Khan Batsman

Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan could also be a useful addition to the Royals’ middle order. He is known for his aggressive shots and finishing ability, and he has been a consistent performer in domestic T20 cricket, as well as for multiple IPL teams.

Sarfaraz can score quickly in the middle overs and build important partnerships with Riyan Parag, which can help RR put up or chase big totals. His experience in handling pressure makes him a strong option for RR’s middle order.

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Kyle Jamieson Bowler

Kyle Jamieson is a New Zealand cricketer who is a right-arm fast-medium bowler and a right-handed batsman, born on December 30, 1994.

Another New Zealand player who could add strength to the Rajasthan Royals is Kyle Jamieson. The tall fast bowler already has IPL experience, having played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021 and joined Punjab Kings as a temporary replacement in 2025.

Jamieson’s height helps him get good bounce, and he can bowl with variety, both useful on Indian pitches. With Jofra Archer set to lead the bowling attack, Jamieson can support him with the new ball and also bowl useful overs in the middle. He can also hit some quick runs down the order, making him a valuable all-round option for RR.

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IPL 2026 Auction: Updated Purse Balance for All Ten Teams The 10 IPL teams have announced which players they will keep and which ones they will release before next season’s mini auction, which will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

by K D Mishra November 16, 2025