Rajasthan Royals Hand Surprise IPL Opportunity To Patiala Star To Save Playoff Spot

RR announce change in squad [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, the Rajasthan Royals have made a key change in their squad just hours ahead of their final league fixture of the ongoing IPL 2026 season against the Mumbai Indians.

RR are still very much alive in the playoff race and are favourites to qualify for the playoffs only if they win their next game against MI on May 24. Hence, to increase their chances, the Royals made a desperate addition to their squad.

Rajasthan Royals announce injury replacement for Ravi Singh

In a huge blow, Rajasthan Royals lost wicketkeeper batter Ravi Singh to a hamstring injury. He has been ruled out of the season, and hence, RR were forced to sort out a replacement.

Just hours before their game against MI, RR formally signed Emanjot Chahal as Ravi’s replacement for ₹30 lakh. Emanjot is a young all-rounder from Patiala who plays domestic cricket for Punjab. 

Rajasthan Royals likely wanted an Indian backup all-rounder who can provide spin options and batting depth. Hence, Chahal fits the criteria, as his domestic performance has been impressive.

In his limited First Class cricket career, Emanjot Chahal has scored 105 runs and picked 11 wickets in just 3 games. 

For Emanjot Chahal, this move is a major career breakthrough because it gives him his first chance to train and potentially play alongside established IPL stars in a high-pressure environment.

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RR playoff qualification scenario for IPL 2026

That being said, the Rajasthan Royals are still in the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs. If they beat the Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium, they will directly qualify as the fourth-placed team.

However, if they lose, the Royals will hope Punjab Kings lose to LSG and KKR also drop points against Delhi Capitals tomorrow. But to avoid depending on other results, Rajasthan would prefer to win and keep its fate in its own hands.

On the other hand, MI have nothing to lose, as they are already eliminated from playoff contention. The five-time champions have had a disappointing season and are currently near the bottom of the table. Hence, their final match is mainly about pride and avoiding a last-place finish.

RR will bank on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Meanwhile, 15-year-old kid Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will likely dictate the flow of the match in the RR vs MI clash at Wankhede. The teenager has been the franchise’s standout performer, scoring 579 runs at a strike rate above 236.

Recently played a match-winning knock of 93 against LSG and had previously attacked Jasprit Bumrah as well. Apart from Vaibhav, Dhruv Jurel is equally threatening, as he is having his best IPL season at 420 runs.

With the ball, Jofra Archer is the leading wicket-taker for RR at 18 wickets. With an early swing, he can create an impact at the Wankhede, which will be crucial for the Rajasthan Royals.

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