Rajasthan Royals face retention dilemmas ahead of IPL 2027 season
The franchise must decide on player contracts as the 17 November retention deadline approaches, according to the Hindustan Times.
Rajasthan Royals face difficult decisions regarding player retentions ahead of the 2027 IPL season, according to the Hindustan Times. The franchise, which has not won the tournament since 2008, finished fourth in the points table during the last edition after being defeated by the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.
The team's bowling performance has been a point of concern. While the Royals had the third-best strike rate by picking up a wicket every 18.57 balls, they conceded 9.92 runs per over, which was the sixth-best in the league. In the middle overs, specifically overs 7-11, their economy rate was 9.71, the second-worst in the tournament.
Several players' contracts are under scrutiny. Batting options Donovan Ferreira and Shimron Hetmyer face assessment, as Ferreira scored 317 runs at a strike rate of 179.10 while Hetmyer scored 78 runs in seven innings. In the bowling department, Sandeep Sharma and Tushar Deshpande may be considered for release following recent performances.
High-profile recruits are also part of the discussions. Ravindra Jadeja scored 266 runs and took 10 wickets, while Sam Curran missed the season due to injury. Additionally, spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who cost ₹7.2 crore, picked up 11 wickets in nine matches at an economy rate of 9.88.
The franchise is also reportedly interested in strengthening its bowling department. While Yashasvi Jaiswal has been linked with a move to LSG, negotiations have currently stalled. The retention deadline is set for 17 November.