Top 3 teams likely to rebuild from scratch in IPL 2026 auction

The exciting IPL 2025 (Indian Premier League) playoffs will get underway on Thursday, May 29. While some teams have had memorable seasons, others are contemplating what went wrong.

Notably, Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Mumbai Indians (MI) are the four teams that have progressed to the playoffs. PBKS have been rewarded for backing youngsters and are led by a fantastic captain. RCB have bowled better than in previous seasons, with Josh Hazlewood leading the line, while the additions of Phil Salt and Tim David have worked wonders.

Gujarat Titans were the team to beat after the first 12 games. They have been heavily dependent on their top three batters and the bowling attack spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna. Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, made a strong comeback after losing four out of their first five games, as stalwarts like Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma found form. The former has scored 25-plus runs in every innings (14) in IPL 2025.

How will the teams that didn't fare as well bounce back next season? CricTracker looks at the top three teams likely to rebuild from scratch in the IPL 2026 Auction.

Here are top Three teams who are likely to rebuild from scratch in IPL 2026 auction:

3. Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals (RR) had a very disappointing season, finishing at No. 9 on the points table, with four wins and 10 defeats from 14 matches. The inaugural champions lost multiple games from winning situations. The unavailability of Sanju Samson in some of the games didn't help their cause. If there's one big positive from their campaign, it is the emergence of the 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi.

While there might not be too many changes in the batting department, they could consider bringing in a finisher, as Shimron Hetmyer wasn't at his usual best. They could also revamp their bowling attack. Apart from Jofra Archer, they should look to include another overseas pacer who could play alongside the England seamer. They had the options of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Kwena Maphaka, but they failed to make any impact. Wanindu Hasaranga blew hot and cold during the tournament. RR could rope in an Indian spinner to partner with the Sri Lankan all-rounder.