There is less than a week left for the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The teams are taking the final stages of their preparations before the start of the Rich Cash League. Rajasthan Royals (RR) is the first winner of the league in 2008 and since then, they have failed to win the league.
The last time Rajasthan qualified for the final was in 2022, when Sanju Samson was the captain. They have let their captain go in the trade that included Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran of Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The Royals have a lot of talent and Riyan Parag has been made the captain of the franchise.
However, they will have to go through challenges as Sam Curran has been ruled out of the IPL, and Sri Lanka T20I captain Dasun Shanaka is replacing him ahead of the IPL. Here we will take a look at the potential players who are the biggest burden for RR in IPL 2026.
3 players who are the biggest burden for RR in IPL 2026
Riyan Parag
Last time the Royals captain’s performance was not good and he scored 393 runs at an average of around 33. Riyan Parag has a responsibility in his hands with the new role as captain. However, it is very difficult to assess whether he will have a good season with the bat or not.
Riyan Parag performed brilliantly with the bat in the 2024 season and his team also reached the playoffs. He was the third highest run scorer in the tournament with 573 runs. However, his form deteriorated in 2025 and his team also finished 9th after losing 10 games.
Dhruv Jurel
Dhruv Jurel has been a mainstay for the India national cricket team in Test cricket. He can play spin. Jurel has been one of the highlights of RR in the team. However, his problem has been inconsistency with 333 runs last season; His average is still around 38 and he has scored just two fifties.
The Royals have also failed to utilize his full potential, as he has been used as a floater in the team. Although he should not bat below No. 5, he has been sent later on a few occasions. Jurel’s consistency and his batting position could be a big burden for the Royals in IPL 2026.
jofra archer
Jofra Archer is back with the franchise with which he was successful. The England fast bowler was selected in IPL 2025 for Rs 12.50 crore. His return to the team after a full season of injury did not go as expected; He took 11 wickets in 12 matches at an economy of 9.47 and an average of 39.18.
Archer can demolish any batting line-up on his scheduled day, but his problem has been injuries and consistency. Since his return, he has failed to perform to his full potential and has been giving away runs, although he bowled well in the T20 World Cup 2026, but was thrashed all around against India in the semi-finals.
Also read: Jasprit Bumrah out of IPL? Star pacer reaches COE before IPL 2026