The Rajasthan Royals (RR), winners of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, have had a roller-coaster ride all these years. Plans for the 2026 season are already underway, and the franchise must overcome the hurdle of converting potential into sustained performance. With a combination of veterans and young guns, RR's success chart is subject to making the right calls and shrewd execution. This piece considers the 5 Things RR need to do before IPL 2026, deconstructing development areas. Right from crafting the bowling attack to nurturing the young guns, all is considered in an effort to give a complete blueprint to RR's dreams. 5 Things RR need to do before IPL 2026 Develop a Strong Bowling Attack Image Source : ESPN RR's bowling attack, though possessing experienced wrists, did not possess ferocity to intimidate opposition line-ups on a regular basis. Sandeep Sharma, kept at ₹4 crores, has been an able performer, particularly in powerplay and death overs. Lack was a terror pace leader in top-flight games. To balance that, RR can consider signing a marquee paceman who will take the attack in his hand and assist in nurturing future pacers. Or, signing future stars such as Kuldeep Sen, who is raw in terms of pace, can introduce the much-needed variety and depth to the bowling pool. A combination of experienced and youngster judiciously will be entrusted with beefing up the bowling of RR. Also Read | IPL 2025's Biggest Moments & Controversies Till Match 12 Strengthen up Middle Order Image Source : IPL Middle-order batting has been RR's weak link, and shoddy work has caused collapses in pressure games. While Shimron Hetmyer, who was kept back at ₹11 crores, provides firepower, the side needs stability and middle-over elasticity. Utility batsmen who settle the innings and go bang at the right moment need to be invested in. Rahul Tripathi or Manish Pandey, with experience and composure, would be perfect. Also, grooming players like Riyan Parag into more mature players can build a good middle order that can mould itself as per different match situations. Create Leadership Roles Image Source : Associated Press Sanju Samson, the ₹18 crore treasure, has been the leader for a couple of years with aggression and flamboyance. But with Riyan Parag now emerging as a leadership prospect, marking leadership roles in the team is necessary. Creating a team with senior players as leaders will give teamwork balanced strategic decision-making. It will also make succession planning easy and position the team for easy future changeovers. Giving power to future stars will make them feel secure and create a sense of responsibility within team members. Nurturing Young Talents Image Source : BCCI RR has a legacy of mentoring young talents, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who debuted at 14 years of age, is an extension of the legacy his company has had in managing young players. It requires appropriate guidance, counselling, and game time to these inheritors to raise their children.By scheduling practice sessions and using them as team strategies will compel their development. Providing their pressure-playing experience with the assistance of seniors will bring in a new batch of match-winners to RR. Overseas Player Optimization Image Source : Associated Press Selecting overseas players strategically is required so that team optimization could be ensured. Although Hetmyer is still in the team, RR needs to consider what role other overseas picks play so they can have maximum effect. Finding some match situations where foreign players are able to play well and using them at the right times in exchange will enable team balancing. In addition, hiring multifunctional foreign players who are able to adapt as and when situations and positions alter will bring RR the required freedom to face various types of challenges during the course of a season. Also Read | 7 Players Who Could Retire After IPL 2025 Season Conclusion With RR beginning the 2026 IPL season, a multi-faceted strategy with the inclusion of the growth of key areas has to be initiated. Strengthen the bowling unit, consolidate the middle order, address leadership issues, nurture youngsters, and utilize overseas players optimally are the cornerstones of the strategy. By planning and executing these components judiciously, RR not only improve their performance but also set the platform for long-term success in the changing dynamics of the IPL.