IPL 2026: RR should release Jofra Archer and target these three players ahead of auction

1. Mark Wood

Mark Wood could be an ideal replacement for his England teammate Jofra Archer in the Rajasthan Royals setup. Known for his express pace, Wood consistently clocks speeds above 150 kmph and can rattle even the best batters. In his IPL stint with Lucknow Super Giants, Wood made a stunning impact in 2023 by picking up 11 wickets in just five matches at an average of 16.27 and a strike rate of 10.9, including a 5/14 against Delhi Capitals.

Internationally, the 35-year-old has 119 Test, 80 ODI, and 54 T20I wickets in his decade-long career. His aggressive approach and wicket-taking ability can make him a threat with both the new ball and at the death. However, like Archer, Wood’s career has been affected by frequent injuries, which could be a concern.