Kamal Ghorui
Rajasthan Royals have suffered a major setback ahead of IPL 2026, with Sam Curran ruled out of the tournament. The England all-rounder, who was traded to the Royals along with Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings in exchange for Sanju Samson, was expected to play a crucial role in the team’s plans this season.Curran’s absence leaves a significant gap, given his value as a multi-skilled player who contributes with both bat and ball. His ability to deliver in the death overs further made him a key component of the Royals’ setup, 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 replacement.The Royals already have four overseas pacers in their squad apart from Curran — Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Kwena Maphaka and Adam Milne — but what they need now is an all-rounder who can fill the void left by Curran.Here are five players Rajasthan Royals could target as replacements:Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand)An experienced campaigner with prior IPL exposure, Jimmy Neesham has also represented the Royals during the 2022 season when they reached the final. A capable medium pacer and a handy lower-order batter, Neesham brings valuable international experience that could prove useful in pressure situations.Josh Tongue (England)Rajasthan Royals have historically shown a preference for English players, and Josh Tongue could be an exciting option. He has been in outstanding form in The Hundred, picking up 21 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 13.33, including 14 wickets 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 would arrive 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 at the 2023 ODI World Cup, taking the most wickets by a South African in a single edition. Known for his pace and ability to move the ball, he can be effective both in the powerplay and at the death. However, injuries remain a concern, as he missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and featured in only three matches in SA20 2026. He also has IPL experience with the Mumbai Indians.Ottneil Baartman (South Africa)A strong like-for-like replacement, Ottneil Baartman has earned high praise from Keshav Maharaj, who called him the best death bowler in South Africa. He played a key role in Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s back-to-back SA20 title wins in 2023 and 2024 and was also part of South Africa’s run to the T20 World Cup final in 2024. Baartman’s association with 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 dependable middle-order batter, he can also contribute with the ball when required, making him a flexible option for the side.With Curran ruled out, Rajasthan Royals face a crucial decision in identifying the right balance for their squad, especially with the need for a reliable all-rounder who can contribute across departments.
