The Mega Auction Factor
The primary reason for this speculation is the upcoming IPL mega auction. Unlike the annual mini-auction, a mega auction is a far larger event that happens every few years, forcing a hard reset for most team rosters. The last such event was held before
the 2025 season, setting teams for a three-year cycle covering 2025, 2026, and 2027. This means the next mega auction is expected to take place before the 2028 season, not 2027 as is often speculated. However, player trades and releases are still a critical part of the pre-auction strategy each year. While the core of the squad is locked in for three years, underperforming players can be released and blockbuster trades can happen, shaking up team compositions significantly.
Player Retention and Trade Rules
During the last mega auction cycle (2025-27), franchises were allowed to retain a maximum of six players, using a combination of direct retention and the Right to Match (RTM) card. This allows teams to hold onto their most prized assets. For a player like Jaiswal, Rajasthan Royals would almost certainly use a top retention spot. However, the world of the IPL is not just about retentions; it is also about trades. Recent reports linked Jaiswal to a potential trade with Mumbai Indians, possibly involving Hardik Pandya. This highlights that even retained players aren't completely off the market. A franchise could, in theory, agree to trade a star player for another player or a significant cash deal if they believe it strengthens their overall squad.
Jaiswal: From Prospect to Powerhouse
Yashasvi Jaiswal's journey with the Rajasthan Royals is a fairytale. Bought for ₹2.4 crore in the 2020 auction, he was a promising young talent. By 2022, his salary was increased to ₹4 crore as the franchise recognised his growing importance. His stock has only skyrocketed since. He has delivered multiple high-run seasons for the Royals, including a breakout 2023 season where he scored 625 runs and was named the Emerging Player of the Season. Now a regular for the Indian national team, Jaiswal's market value is exponentially higher than his current contract. While some reports have mentioned a new salary of ₹18 crore for 2025, his true value in an open auction would likely be one of the highest in the league. This massive value is what makes him a target for other teams and a complex asset for the Royals to manage.
The Rajasthan Royals' Stance
Amid the swirling trade rumours, the Rajasthan Royals management has been firm. In late August 2026, a top official from the franchise clarified their position, stating that Jaiswal has not expressed any desire to leave. The official was quoted as saying, “We are planning things for the next season with him firmly on our roster. We have heard some rumours, but from our side, Jaiswal is very much our player.” This public statement is a clear attempt to shut down the speculation. For RR, Jaiswal is not just a player; he is a homegrown star and a cornerstone of their future plans, with some even seeing him as a potential future captain.
So, Will He Leave?
As of now, a departure seems unlikely. The franchise has publicly committed to him, and he has not indicated a wish to move. The trade rumours, particularly the one involving Hardik Pandya, have been officially denied by the club. Jaiswal is central to RR's identity and success. However, the business of the IPL is unpredictable. While there won't be a mega auction before the 2027 season to force a release, the possibility of a strategic trade, though remote, always exists. If another team were to make an unprecedented offer that Rajasthan feels would benefit their long-term squad balance, a move could theoretically happen. But for now, all signs point to Jaiswal staying put in the Royals' camp.
