From Vaibhav Sooryavanshi To Riyan Parag: Rajasthan Royals Player Ratings For IPL 2026
Reflecting on a Rollercoaster Season
The Rajasthan Royals’ campaign in IPL 2026 concluded on a bittersweet note in Mullanpur. Despite a valiant effort, the team bowed out after a sensational century from Shubman Gill propelled the Gujarat Titans into the final. While the exit came earlier than many fans hoped, the season remained a significant testament to the resilience of a squad that underwent major transitions.
As noted by captain Riyan Parag, this young unit was not initially pegged as a championship favorite, especially following the high-profile trade of their former captain to the Chennai Super Kings. Yet, they fought hard, securing a playoff spot with a must-win victory over the Mumbai Indians on the final day of the league stage. Below, we provide an objective look at the individual contributions that defined their journey.
The Star Performers
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (10/10): The undisputed standout of the season. Sooryavanshi carried the batting lineup with maturity beyond his years, becoming the heartbeat of the Royals’ offense.
Jofra Archer (9/10): It was a delight to see Archer back in his element. His pace, precision, and ability to stifle batsmen in the death overs were crucial to the team’s success.
Donovan Ferreira (9/10): A revelation in the middle order, Ferreira proved to be an explosive asset, providing the team with necessary momentum in tight situations.
Dhruv Jurel (8/10): Jurel continued his rise, showing immense composure and reliability under pressure.
Reliable Contributors
Ravindra Jadeja (7.5/10) & Brijesh Sharma (7.5/10): Both players provided the necessary experience and stability. Jadeja’s all-around utility and Sharma’s consistent execution kept the team balanced during fluctuating matches.
Yash Raj Punja (7/10): A promising performance from the youngster who showed glimpses of his high ceiling throughout the tournament.
The Mid-Tier Performers
Yashasvi Jaiswal (6/10), Riyan Parag (6/10), Nandre Burger (6/10), & Ravi Bishnoi (6/10): These players had their moments of brilliance but struggled with the consistency required to dominate the league stage. Captain Riyan Parag, while leading well, will likely expect more from his own willow in future campaigns.
Sushant Mishra (5/10): Provided decent service but struggled to make a significant impact in the key matches.
Areas for Improvement
The lower end of the ratings highlights the inconsistencies that plagued the Royals in the latter half of the season. Shubham Dubey (4/10) and Tushar Deshpande (4/10) both had cameos but lacked the impact needed to turn games decisively. Shimron Hetmyer (3/10) and Dasun Shanaka (3/10) were particularly disappointing, failing to replicate their previous career highs or provide the finishing power expected of them.
Finally, Adam Milne (1/10), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (1/10), and Ravi Singh (1/10) saw limited success, contributing very little to the overall points tally in their appearances.
Looking Ahead
While the Rajasthan Royals finished third, the experience gained by this young core is invaluable. With a solid foundation provided by players like Sooryavanshi and Archer, the management will look to address the gaps in their middle order and bench depth before the next auction. The 2026 season was a period of transition, but it proved that the Royals have the raw talent to compete at the highest level of T20 cricket.
