IPL 2026 Auction: Season-Wise List of Rajasthan Royals’ Costliest Players From 2008 to 2025

As the IPL 2026 mega auction approaches, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are heading into one of the biggest resets in their history. The franchise’s bold move to trade long-time captain Sanju Samson to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in exchange for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran has sparked massive discussions around leadership, auction plans, and the future core of the team.

Rajasthan Royals Prepare for a New Era Ahead of IPL 2026

The high-profile trade has opened the door to multiple captaincy contenders. Cricket experts Aakash Chopra and Anil Kumble have named Riyan Parag, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Sam Curran, and Ravindra Jadeja as potential leaders for the 2026 season.

Parag captained a few matches in IPL 2025, while Jaiswal has openly expressed his interest in leading. Jadeja, who returns to the RR camp years after his early IPL days, is also being seen as a strong contender due to his seniority and all-round expertise.

Even as the franchise evaluates its next captain, RR’s auction history offers valuable insight into how the team has balanced marquee buys, domestic talent, and moneyball strategies over the years.

Below is a season-by-season breakdown of Rajasthan Royals’ costliest players from 2008 to 2025 — a journey that begins with Mohammad Kaif and reaches its peak with Jofra Archer.

Rajasthan Royals’ Costliest Player in Every IPL Season (2008–2025)

2008–2013: The Foundation Years

2008 – Mohammad Kaif (₹2.5 Cr): RR’s first major domestic signing under Shane Warne’s leadership.

2009 – Tyron Henderson (₹6.5 Cr): A bold overseas all-rounder gamble.

2010 – Shaun Tait (₹2.2 Cr): Raw pace added to RR’s bowling arsenal.

2011 – Johan Botha & Ross Taylor (₹4.6 Cr each): Balanced investment in experience and power hitting.

2012 – Johan Botha (₹4.5 Cr): Reacquired for all-round stability.

2013 – James Faulkner (₹4 Cr): A match-winner with ball and bat in pressure situations.

2014–2017: Youth-Focused Strategy & Suspension Years

2014 – Steve Smith (₹4 Cr): Core middle-order signing and long-term leader.

2015 – Sanju Samson & Karun Nair (₹4 Cr each): Continued focus on domestic batting talent.

2016 & 2017 – Suspended: RR did not participate.

2018–2025: Big Money Years & High-Impact Additions

2018 – Ben Stokes (₹12.5 Cr): A blockbuster signing after RR’s return.

2019 – Jaydev Unadkat (₹8.4 Cr): A controversial big bid repeated by RR.

2020 – Ankit Rajpoot (₹3 Cr): Strengthening Indian pace options.

2021 – Chris Morris (₹16.25 Cr): The highest bid in IPL history at that time.

2022 – Prasidh Krishna (₹10 Cr): Signed as a long-term Indian pace spearhead.

2023 – Trent Boult (₹8 Cr): A trade-based investment for powerplay breakthroughs.

2024 – Avesh Khan (₹10 Cr): Another major Indian pace acquisition via trade.

2025 – Jofra Archer (₹12.5 Cr): A marquee comeback signing of one of RR’s most impactful pacers.

IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals Begin Their Jadeja–Curran Era

RR’s decision to welcome Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in a mega trade suggests a complete shift in strategy. Jadeja has reportedly taken a reduced salary (from ₹18 crore at CSK to ₹14 crore at RR), fueling speculation that the Royals may consider handing him the captaincy.

With Sanju Samson moving to CSK and multiple candidates emerging as leaders, RR will enter the 2026 auction with renewed focus. Strengthening the middle order, which has struggled for consistency in crunch matches, is expected to be a top priority.

The Rajasthan Royals’ journey from Kaif to Archer reflects a franchise that has never hesitated to take bold risks — and IPL 2026 may be their biggest gamble yet.