End Of Road For Shimron Hetmyer; Players Rajasthan Royals Should Release Before – Rajasthan Royals: Players RR Must Release Ahead of IPL 2027
A Season of Highs and Lows for Rajasthan Royals
The conclusion of IPL 2026 brought a mix of pride and frustration for the Rajasthan Royals. Led by Riyan Parag, the franchise began the season with promise, securing four consecutive victories that suggested a dominant run was on the cards. However, the momentum faltered, leading to a precarious middle phase that forced the team into a do-or-die fight for playoff survival. While they managed to scrape into the playoffs and even stunned Sunrisers Hyderabad in a memorable encounter, their journey ultimately ended at the hands of Gujarat Titans in a historic chase. As the dust settles, the management must shift its focus toward rebuilding for IPL 2027.
The Shining Star: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
While the team performance fluctuated, one individual stood out as a beacon of brilliance. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi concluded the season as the tournament’s leading run-getter, amassing a staggering 776 runs in just 15 innings. His form was the backbone of the Royals’ batting lineup. However, cricket is a team sport, and while Sooryavanshi excelled, several other high-profile players failed to live up to their price tags, necessitating a strategic clear-out.
Players Rajasthan Royals Should Release Before IPL 2027
With an eye on the auction purse and the need for squad rejuvenation, here are the players who are likely heading for the exit door at the Rajasthan Royals.
1. Shimron Hetmyer (11 Crores)
The Caribbean powerhouse has struggled significantly to justify his 11-crore valuation. In IPL 2026, Hetmyer managed only 78 runs across 7 innings at a dismal average of 13.00. Failing to record a single score of 30 or more, his form has been on a downward trajectory since the 2025 season. Releasing him is a logical step that would immediately free up significant capital for the Royals.
2. Ravi Bishnoi (7.20 Crores)
Bishnoi’s exit would be a notable departure, yet it reflects the team’s shift in strategy. Despite a strong start that saw him briefly hold the Purple Cap, his effectiveness waned as the tournament progressed, picking up only two wickets in his final five appearances. With Yash Punja emerging as the preferred spin option, Bishnoi appears to have fallen out of favor.
3. Tushar Deshpande (6.5 Crores)
For a bowler with a 6.5-crore price tag, consistency is non-negotiable. Deshpande struggled for rhythm throughout the season, finishing with an economy rate of 11.96 and a strike rate of 34.00. While he had a moment of glory defending a final over against Gujarat, his overall output of just 4 wickets in 7 innings makes him a liability at that cost.
4. Sandeep Sharma (4 Crores)
Sandeep Sharma’s limited involvement mid-season served as a clear indicator of his future with the squad. With only 5 wickets in 6 innings and an economy exceeding 11 runs per over, he failed to provide the control expected of a veteran seamer. It is highly probable that the Royals will look for fresh bowling talent in the upcoming auction.
5. Adam Milne (2.4 Crores)
Adam Milne was given only one opportunity to prove his worth, which ended in a tough outing against the Delhi Capitals where he conceded 41 runs in 3.2 overs. Unable to make a breakthrough, the Kiwi seamer seems unlikely to remain part of the team’s plans for 2027.
The Road Ahead
By parting ways with these five players, Rajasthan Royals stand to reclaim 31.1 crores in their auction purse. This financial flexibility will be crucial for the franchise as they look to bolster their bowling attack and provide more support to players like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The transition period is never easy, but for the Royals to return to the pinnacle of the IPL, bold decisions are the only way forward.
Rohan Kapoor is a cricket editor and sports content analyst based in New Delhi with over 6 years of experience covering IPL, T20 leagues, and international cricket. He specializes in match analysis, player statistics, and tactical breakdowns, bringing data-driven insights to modern cricket audiences across India.
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