Rajasthan Royals has suffered a major setback ahead of IPL 2026. Sam Curran Out of the tournament. England all-rounder, who was also traded to the Royals. Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings In exchange for Sanju Samsonwas expected to play a major role in the team’s plans this season.Karan’s absence leaves a significant void, given his importance as a multi-talented player who contributes with both bat and ball. His ability to deliver in the death overs made him a key component of the Royals’ set-up, and replacing him will not be straightforward.As things stand, Rajasthan Royals could look at Donovan Ferreira, who was also brought in via a trade deal from Delhi Capitals in exchange for Nitish Rana. However, the team is likely to explore multiple options to find a suitable alternative.Royals already have four foreign pacers besides Curran – Jofra Archer, Nandre BurgerKwena Maphaka and Adam Milne — but now they need an all-rounder to fill the void left by Curran.The five players as substitutes for Rajasthan Royals are:
Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand)A seasoned campaigner with a first IPL appearance, Jimmy Neesham has also represented the Royals during the 2022 season as they reached the final. A capable medium pacer and a handy lower-order batsman, Nesham brings valuable international experience that can come in handy in pressure situations.Josh Tong (England)Rajasthan Royals have historically preferred English players, and Josh Tong could be an interesting option. He was in superb form in The Hundred, taking 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 13.33, including 14 in the 2025 season alone. His ability to generate bounce and hit the deck hard makes him well-suited to Indian conditions, and with limited IPL exposure, he will be eager to make an impact.Gerald Coetzee (South Africa)Gerald Coetzee offers a high-impact but slightly risky option. He was South Africa’s standout bowler in the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking the most wickets by South Africa in an edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both on the power play and at the death. However, injuries remained a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and played in just three matches in the SA20 2026. He also has IPL experience with Mumbai Indians.Othniel Bartman (South Africa)Keshav Maharaj is highly praised by Otniel Baartman, who described him as South Africa’s best death bowler. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape winning back-to-back SA20 titles in 2023 and 2024 and was also involved in South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024. Bartman’s association with the Paarl Royals in SA20 also gives him familiarity with the Royals’ setup.Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)Another experienced option, Daryl Mitchell has previously represented Rajasthan Royals. Apart from being a reliable middle-order batsman, he can also contribute with the ball when required, making him a flexible option for the side.With Kiran ruled out, Rajasthan Royals face a critical decision in identifying the right balance for their squad, especially with the need for a reliable all-rounder who can contribute in all areas.
